Cholera epidemic hits Truk; 2,316 suspected cases and 13 deaths recorded through 17 May 1983.

What happened

The outbreak began in August 1982 and spread to epidemic levels in Truk (now Chuuk). It disrupted daily life: Xavier High School had to house and feed 27 female students and ran short of money. After Truk was declared cholera-free in June 1983, new cases appeared in the rainy season, when floodwater got into wells.