A 35-year-old woman is diagnosed with cholera during an outbreak in a flood-affected area. She has severe dehydration (WHO plan C). After initial IV rehydration, what is the SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT public health intervention to control the outbreak?
- A Provision of safe water supply and sanitation, plus case isolation ✓
- B Mass antibiotic prophylaxis with doxycycline to all contacts
- C Mass vaccination with oral cholera vaccine (Shanchol) immediately
- D Chlorination of all water bodies in the affected area only
Correct answer: A. Provision of safe water supply and sanitation, plus case isolation
Explanation
The cornerstone of cholera outbreak control is breaking the faecal-oral transmission cycle through provision of safe water (point-of-use chlorination or boiling), improved sanitation, hygiene promotion (handwashing), and case isolation to prevent further contamination of the environment. While oral cholera vaccines (OCV like Shanchol) are used reactively in outbreaks, WHO prioritises WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) interventions as the primary public health response. Mass antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended as it may drive resistance.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.