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Haiti - Health : New significant increase in cholera cases
01/10/2011 14:00:48
The cholera is still prevalent among the population and is far from under control in Haiti. After having greatly affected the province in June, it took over the force now in the capital. Now it regains strength in the capital.
Currently in the rainy season, the cholera epidemic is spreading with greater intensity in Port-au-Prince. Indeed, the humanitarian organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) notes a significant increase in the number of cases in its Cholera Treatment Centres (CTC). MSF invites the public to be vigilant and continue to follow the rules of basic hygiene to prevent disease.
In its four CTC Carrefour, Delmas, Drouillard and Martissant currently open in Port-au-Prince, MSF teams have seen a marked increase in the number of patients admitted. "In one month we went from less than 300 admissions per week to over 850, which suggests a worsening situation in the coming weeks" indicates Romain Gitenet, MSF Head of Mission.
In order to prevent the resurgence of the epidemic, MSF recalls that the respect of hygiene rules is a major asset for prevention. "Staying vigilant is the best way to protect yourself. People need to be rigorous in terms of hygiene, washing hands regularly with soap and clean water and drinking water treated with chlorine or boiling. In addition, as soon as symptoms such as severe diarrhea occur, it is vital to go as quickly as possible in a treatment center. Because cholera is highly treatable and for free. However, the lack of medical care can lead to complete dehydration and death very quickly," Gitenet says.
HL/ HaitiLibre / MSF
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