The Limited Times

Now you can see non-English news...

Cholera resurges in the Dominican Republic and Haiti

2023-01-31T03:35:01.200Z


At least 500 people have died from cholera in Haiti since its resurgence last year, according to the latest data shared by the Ministry of Health and Population on Friday.


Cholera outbreak aggravates the political and health crisis in Haiti 3:14

(CNN Spanish) --

The Ministry of Public Health in the Dominican Republic reported Monday that there are 42 confirmed cases of cholera in the country, while the vaccination campaign continues.

Vaccination began last week with the arrival of 85,000 doses, according to health authorities.

  • More than 1 million children are at risk from the cholera outbreak in Haiti

The Ministry also indicated that vaccination is focused on places where cases have been detected, such as La Zurza, Villa Liberación, Capotillo, Villas Agrícolas and Boca Chica.

Similarly, batches of vaccines were sent to the border provinces of Pedernales, Independencia, Elías Piña and Dajabón.

Haiti

After more than three years without cholera in Haiti, in October 2022 national authorities reported new confirmed cases in the Port-au-Prince area, the capital.

This, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

At least 500 people have died from cholera in Haiti since its resurgence last year, according to the latest data shared by the Ministry of Health and Population on Friday.

advertising

According to the Ministry, 322 people died in hospitals, while another 189 died in other parts of the community.

A total of 2,021 cholera cases have been confirmed.

Haiti has been hit by cholera on previous occasions.

In 2010, less than a year after a massive earthquake, cholera began to spread from a UN peacekeeping camp into the town.

That outbreak eventually reached 800,000 cases and claimed at least 10,000 lives.

What is cholera?

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacillus

vibrio cholerae

, but it can also be transmitted from person to person.

It has a short incubation period, ranging from two hours to five days.

The bacteria produce a toxin that causes copious, watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death if not promptly treated.

Most patients also present with vomiting.

It affects children and adults and can be fatal in a matter of hours, so it is recommended to see a doctor quickly if you develop symptoms.

People with reduced immunity or malnourished are at higher risk of dying if they become infected.

Haiti, between tragedy and instability 2:22

Cholera symptoms and prevention measures

Just drinking liquids or eating food contaminated with cholera bacteria can contract the disease.

In general, the main source of contagion is through the fecal matter of an infected person.

Symptoms appear suddenly without an incubation period.

These include:

-Diarrhea

-Sudden vomiting

-Dehydration

-Muscle cramps

The bacteria can be found in the following places:

-Contaminated water supplies are the main source of cholera infection (surface water or well water)

-Raw or undercooked shellfish

-Raw fruits and vegetables

-Grain

Aggressive rehydration and antibiotic use are the most effective treatments.

Meanwhile, sanitary measures such as proper control and storage of water, and consuming food in hygienic conditions will help prevent outbreaks.

Most of those infected have no or mild symptoms and can be successfully treated with oral rehydration salts.

CholeraHaitiDominican Republic

Source: cnnespanol

All news articles on 2023-01-31

You may like

Trends 24h

News/Politics 2024-03-27T16:45:54.081Z
News/Politics 2024-03-28T06:04:53.137Z

Latest

© Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.
The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.