Health officials report three suspected cases of cholera

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic—
In the last week of the year, the country reported three suspected cases of cholera, with no confirmed cases or deaths so far, according to the Ministry of Public Health (MSP).

In the epidemiological bulletin for week 44, health authorities noted that the country remains at “high risk” due to the ongoing outbreak of cases Haiti continues to report.

“Haiti continues to report community outbreaks of cholera with confirmed circulation of Vibrio cholerae O1, which maintains the possibility of imported cases being introduced by land and river,” they reported.

To date, 30 suspected cases of this bacterial intestinal infection have been reported.

The concentration of cases was reported in Santo Domingo (9), Santiago (6), the National District (2), Barahona (2), and Monte Cristi (2).

Public Health reported that it is keeping border provinces such as Dajabón, Elías Piña, Independencia, and Pedernales under surveillance due to the risk of cases spreading from Haiti.

National Contingency Plan

In response to the health threat, Public Health reported that it is keeping the National Contingency Plan for the prevention and control of cholera active to strengthen the country’s response capacity.

The plan includes active surveillance of acute diarrhea, screening at border points and binational markets, water and food sampling, distribution of oral rehydration salts, chlorine, and emergency kits, and health education on hygiene, handwashing, and safe water use.

Symptoms

Health authorities define cholera as an intestinal bacterial infection caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacillus, which is transmitted mainly through contaminated water or food.

Symptoms include severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, which, if left untreated, can lead to dehydration and, in extreme cases, death.

If these symptoms are present, it is recommended to go to the nearest health center immediately. It should be noted that not all diarrhea or stomach discomfort is a sign of cholera, as various pathogens can cause acute diarrheal diseases.

The risks increase in areas with poor sanitation, unsafe water, and inadequate hygiene.

For prevention, proper hand washing, consuming safe food and drinking water, and maintaining optimal sanitary conditions are recommended.

If drinking water is unavailable, it should be boiled, or five drops of chlorine per gallon should be added before consuming or using it for cooking.

On October 23, Listín Diario reported that in response to the cholera cases in Haiti, the Provincial Public Health Directorate had implemented a health protocol at the border bridge connecting Juana Méndez and Dajabón as a preventive measure.

It was reported that the director of Health in Dajabón, Saberkis Rodríguez, had conducted a supervisory tour of the border crossing to ensure that health protocols were being followed.

“You can see the health inspectors here at the bridge, where they do not allow cooked food from Haiti to enter the Dominican Republic because we have no control over the conditions in which that food is prepared,” said the director of Health in Dajabón at the time.

The crisis in Haiti

According to the EFE news agency, on October 22, Haiti was facing a new outbreak of cholera, with 17 confirmed deaths since the second week of September, a number that could rise due to poor sanitary conditions and the rains expected during those days in a context of extreme vulnerability with 1.4 million internally displaced persons due to the violence imposed by bloody armed gangs.

However, health authorities in the Dominican Republic assured that they were taking control to prevent cases.