Cholera epidemiology analysis through the experience of the 1973 Naples epidemic

Abstract Background and objective The World Health Organization (WHO) appeal of January 15, 2024, stated “The current number, size and concurrence of multiple outbreaks, the spread to areas free of cholera for decades and alarmingly high mortality rates present a major threat to global health security.” The current state is extremely worrying, considering the difficulties of countries in dealing with cholera epidemics due to the lack of funding and the difficulty in oral cholera vaccine production and administration. This study aims to analyse the past and current influence of anthropization on cholera onset. Methods We analysed the literature, particularly of the last 5 years, on the influence of human actions that impact the spread of cholera. Results The epidemiological data published by WHO and the available literature highlight a strong impact of human actions on the epidemic spread of cholera, the government’s difficulty in making decisions on epidemic prevention or containment, and the fear of the population. Conclusions Cholera should be considered an anthropogenic disaster, considering the historical health analysis of the cholera epidemics in Italy in the last two centuries and in southern Italy and in Naples in 1973.