Cholera Outbreak in Haiti and Dominican Republic. Situation Report, n.15 (3 March 2023)

Abstract

In Haiti, as 28 February 2023, the Department of Epidemiology, Laboratories, and Research (DELR) have reported 33,661 suspected cases and 2,439 confirmed cases in all 10 departments of the country, which represent a 2.61 % increase in confirmed cases and a 2.51% increase in suspected cases in the last 7 days. In Haiti, PAHO/WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population – MSPP) and partners, including in: Strengthening coordination of the cholera response in each of the 10 departments by providing surge capacity in epidemiological surveillance, case management, water, hygiene, sanitation, community and risk communication. Enhancing epidemiological and laboratory surveillance at the department level to improve the quality of data and reporting, as well as to strengthen the capacity of the regional laboratories for the rapid detection and diagnosis of cholera, including procuring equipment, laboratory materials and reagents. Improving case management in Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC) by supporting Health Directorates in clinical care, water, hygiene, sanitation and infection prevention and control, including the CTCs established in prisons. Distribute medical and non-medical supplies to aid the cholera response in all departments across the country, including Ringer Lactate fluids, infusion sets and Oral Rehydration Salts for case management as well as aqua tabs for the purification of water. In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed 12 new cholera cases since the last report on 17 February, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 88, of which 71 are reported in the capital city of Santo Domingo.