The Ministry of Public Health says it has received 85,000 doses of Euvichol-Plus, a vaccine to reduce the scope and mortality of cholera.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) together with traditional control measures, including health promotion, provision of safe water and improving sanitation, in endemic cholera areas and during cholera outbreaks.
Two doses of the vaccine are recommended. The findings also indicate that two doses are more effective than a single dose and thus support the use of two doses of the vaccine as part of an integrated intervention to cholera control during outbreaks.
The Ministry of Health urged the population to seek medical attention if they present symptoms such as: liquid, abundant poop, similar to rice water, vomiting, stomach (abdominal) pains, dehydration. Those that suspect they may have caught the disease should take an oral rehydration solution and go immediately to the nearest health center.
Preventive measures such as hand-washing, water purification, food handling, cleanliness and hygiene of the house and surroundings are essential to prevent cholera.
Deputy Minister of Collective Health, Dr. Eladio Pérez explains the vaccines were obtained through the Pan American Health Organization (WHO/PAHO), due to the number of cases registered in Haiti and its proximity to the Dominican Republic. He said that vaccination campaigns will focus on the places where cases have been detected, namely La Zurza and Villa Liberación. The vaccines are also being made available to population in border provinces.
Other vaccine targets are health personnel working in units that assist affected or suspected patients, in schools located in risk areas (La Zurza and Villa Liberación), teachers, administrative employees and children with the consent of parents or guardians, Public Health personnel involved in field and laboratory investigations, military and prisoners at risk.
The Ministry of Public Health reported 43 cases of cholera have been registered so far in the country. The cases have occurred in the slum areas.
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Ministry of Public Health
Pub Med
Diario Libre
31 January 2023