2010 Haiti cholera outbreak

2010 Haiti cholera outbreak

Cholera bacteria SEM.jpg Scanning electron microscope image of Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera
Disease	Cholera
Virus strain	[[|{{{virus_strain}}}]]
Origin	[[|{{{origin}}}]]
Date	October 2010 – ongoing
Deaths	9,792 (as of 2019)
This disease outbreak related article is a stub.

The 2010 Haiti cholera outbreak was a significant public health crisis that began in October 2010, following the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake. The outbreak was the first cholera epidemic in Haiti in over a century and resulted in over 820,000 reported cases and nearly 10,000 deaths by 2019.

Background

Prior to the outbreak, Haiti had not experienced a cholera epidemic for at least 100 years. The country was already struggling with the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, which had severely damaged infrastructure and displaced millions of people. The lack of clean water and sanitation facilities created an environment conducive to the spread of infectious diseases.

Outbreak

The cholera outbreak was first reported in the Artibonite River region in mid-October 2010. The disease spread rapidly due to the poor sanitation conditions and the movement of people across the country. Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, which is typically spread through contaminated water.

Source of the Outbreak

Investigations into the source of the outbreak suggested that the strain of Vibrio cholerae was introduced to Haiti by United Nations peacekeepers from Nepal, who were stationed near the Artibonite River. Genetic analysis of the bacteria showed that it was similar to strains found in South Asia.

Response

The response to the outbreak involved both national and international efforts. The Haitian government, along with organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), worked to provide treatment and improve water and sanitation facilities. Oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics were used to treat those infected.

Impact

The cholera outbreak had a profound impact on Haiti, exacerbating the challenges faced by the country in the wake of the earthquake. The epidemic highlighted the need for improved water and sanitation infrastructure and raised questions about the responsibilities of international organizations in preventing such outbreaks.

Also see

• 2010 Haiti earthquake
• Vibrio cholerae
• United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti
• Public health in Haiti