Katrina evacuee diagnosed with cholera, quarantined

The man was staying in a shelter at the Tennessee National Guard Armory, where about 280 evacuees have passed through since Sept. 2, The Daily News Journal in Murfreesboro reported.

“We have received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control one incident of Vibrio cholera … a strain commonly found in people with exposure to sea water,” said Andrea Turner, a department spokeswoman. “Our department is conducting an ongoing investigation.”

The bacterial infection can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but is usually only fatal for those with weakened immune systems or the elderly.

According to Thursday’s dispatch from the CDC, 21 people nationwide have suffered from various illnesses from Vibrio pathogens, and five have died. Only two cases of the Vibrio cholerae strain have been reported, with one illness.

“It’s a non-epidemic cholera,” said Dr. Tim Jones, Tennessee deputy epidemiologist. “There’s no threat to the public. I would eat lunch there today.”

Jones said the man appears to be in good health and has not been hospitalized. Although there is no risk of him transmitting the disease to others, he said, the man has been isolated from other evacuees and shelter volunteers.

Smyrna Town Manager Mark O’Neal said emergency personnel in the area who may have contact with the victim have been notified.