Cholera Outbreak in Haiti and Dominican Republic. Situation Report, n.8 (8 December 2022)

Abstract

In Haiti, confirmed cholera cases are reported in new areas of the capital and in additional departments. As of 6 December 2022, the Department of Epidemiology, Laboratories, and Research (DELR) confirmed 1,193 cases of cholera in eight departments. 943 (79%) of confirmed cases were reported in the Ouest Department. 13,672 suspected cases have been reported in all 10 departments in the country since the first 2 cholera cases were reported on 2 October. In the Dominican Republic, two new cholera cases were confirmed on 7 December by the Ministry of Health in the city of Santo Domingo, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 4 in the country since October 2022. In Haiti, high levels of insecurity and limited access to fuel continue to be the 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: Technical and logistical support to field investigations in all departments to identify suspected cases and collect samples for laboratory analysis. Distribution of 49 tons of essential medicines and medical supplies to Cholera Treatment Centers (CTCs) and Health Directorates in all departments. Training of additional Community Health Workers (ASCP) in the Ouest and Centre Departments, including in preparation for the upcoming vaccination campaign. Technical and financial support for the training and development of the communication strategy for the upcoming cholera vaccination campaign. In the Dominican Republic, PAHO/WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health in monitoring and investigating alerts, including through the donation of Rapid Diagnostic Tests, and in implementing prevention activities through risk communication and community engagement.