Cholera Outbreak in Haiti and Dominican Republic. Situation Report, n.14 (17 February 2023)

Abstract

In Haiti, as 16 February 2023, the Department of Epidemiology, Laboratories, and Research (DELR) have reported 31,485 suspected cholera cases in all 10 departments of the country. Of these, 2,318 cases have been confirmed in ten departments: 1,250 (53%) in Ouest, followed by 424 in Centre, 148 in Nord, and 104 in Artibonite. In Haiti, high levels of insecurity and limited access to fuel and populations continue to be major challenges in the response to the cholera outbreak.  In Haiti, PAHO/WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health (Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population – MSPP) and partners, including to: Strengthen coordination of the cholera response by supporting surge capacity in epidemiological surveillance, case management, water, hygiene, sanitation, community intervention and risk communication under the leadership of Department Health Directorates. Enhance epidemiological surveillance at department level for the improvement, completeness, and quality of data through the deployment of cholera data managers and sentinels, including all the necessary equipment. Improve the quality of case management in Cholera Treatment Centers by supporting Health Directorates in evaluating and improving clinical care, water, hygiene, sanitation and infection prevention and control. Distribute medical and non-medical supplies by air and land to aid the cholera response in all departments across the country, including cholera beds, Rapid Diagnostic Tests, Ringer Lactate fluids, laboratory reagents and aqua tabs. In the Dominican Republic, the Ministry of Public Health confirmed 12 new cholera cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 71, of which 56 are local transmission reported in Santo Domingo. PAHO/WHO is providing support to the Ministry of Health in investigating and responding to cholera alerts, in prevention activities through risk communication, as well as in the implementation of the ongoing vaccination campaign which by 15 February had reached 21,086 people.