Cholera keep spreading in Haitian capital
The first incidence of Cholera was reported in Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, sending warning messages of the disease spreading to epidemic levels in Haiti.
Haiti's deaths due to Cholera over the past one month have reached figures close to 600. A three year old boy living in a tent camp constructed during this January's earthquake relief measures was diagnosed with Cholera. The striking aid for confirming indigenous presence of this infection is obtained from the fact that the toddler and his family remained in the city in the one month that followed. Also the family had no contact with people from cholera-prone region. The boy suffered symptoms of Cholera last month. He was admitted to a medical clinic for vomiting and diarrhea.
Artibonite region of central Haiti was first to face this outbreak. Infection happened due to fecal matter contamination of Artibonite River. Experts feel that the recent hurricane might have aided disease spreading. Dr. Jon Andrus, director of the Pan-American Health Organization that is helping the government fight the epidemic said, "We have every reason to expect that widespread flooding has increased the risk of cholera spreading, the effects of this could become apparent through an upsurge of cases in coming days."
He said his organization is taking a balanced and more comprehensive approach that equally covers resettlements and other areas like slums. This way, adequate focus will be given to slum dwellings with marginal facilities and resettlement camps with slightly better services.
Pan-American Health Organization provides relief by distributing medical supplies and cholera combating equipment. With support from Haiti's government and U.S. health officials the organization will provide field clinics for cholera patients.
Camp dwelling in deteriorated health and sanitation conditions is a major and unavoidable Cholera risk factor. Earthquake refugees are housed temporarily in camps that make them extremely vulnerable. In addition, the spate of natural calamities is making matters worse for Haiti's capital.