Haiti: Cholera update /update 1

Event

Between January 1 and April 8, 4871 probable cases of cholera were reported nationwide, including 69 deaths. Cases were reported in all ten Haitian departments, with Centre, Ouest (where Port-au-Prince is located), Nippes, Artibonite, and Nord departments the most heavily affected.

While cholera remains a major health concern in the country, these figures represent a 60 percent decrease in case rates when compared to the same periods in both 2015 and 2016.

Context

Cholera is an infectious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria that can induce acute diarrhea. The risk of death is greatest among people with a compromised immune system, such as malnourished children or those with HIV. However, even among healthy adults, cholera can be fatal within a matter of hours.

Haiti has been battling a major cholera epidemic since October 2010, with spikes in cases regularly reported following flooding, which helps spread the bacteria. More than 800,000 cases have been reported since the beginning of the epidemic, including nearly 9500 deaths.

Advice

To reduce the risk of contracting cholera, wash hands regularly, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid eating raw or undercooked foods and any foods that cannot be disinfected or peeled (berries, ice cream, etc.). Individuals who believe they may have contracted cholera (or other illnesses) should seek immediate medical attention.