IRC Responds to Deadly Cholera Outbreak in Haiti
Cholera is a serious threat to the more than one million earthquake survivors living in crowded tent settlements around the city. The unsanitary conditions in these settlements and the city's slums are ripe for the rapid spread of this highly contagious, water-borne disease. "It's rainy season, so there's already a lot of mud and potential for flooding," says Melody Munz, the International Rescue Committee's environmental health coordinator in Haiti. "Our concern is that if we get an outbreak in a camp, then it could spread very, very quickly."
Focus on Prevention
Munz says the key to curbing the spread of cholera is prevention. Since the January 12 earthquake, the IRC has been building latrines and washing facilities, clearing waste, and promoting health and hygiene. We have begun cholera prevention activities in the approximately 30 settlements where we currently work, including:
- Testing and chlorinating water sources
- Stepping up our campaign to spread messages about washing with soap, drinking only chlorinated water and other protective measures
- Gearing up to distribute water storage, water treatment supplies, soap and hand-washing basins
Cholera causes severe vomiting and diarrhea which can result in dehydration and death within a matter of hours. "What's absolutely critical to treating cholera is rehydration," says Munz, "And then it's vital that people in affected areas practice good hygiene so that they don't make others sick."
The IRC is preparing to distribute supplies of aquatabs and oral rehydration salts should an outbreak spread throughout Port-au-Prince.
Learn More
- Visit our Crisis Watch: Haiti report for the latest news
- Read our most recent blog post on the cholera outbreak
- Listen to NPR's coverage of the IRC's cholera response
To Help
Donate Now: Support the IRC's work in Haiti and other countries where we are helping people displaced by war and disaster.
Published by George Rupp - President of the International Rescue Committee
George Rupp became president of the International Rescue Committee on July 1, 2002. For the previous nine years, Dr. Rupp was president of Columbia University. During his tenure, he focused on enhancing und... View profile
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