Cholera Outbreak in Haiti

Even though Haiti was hit by their horrible earthquake back in January, they continue to feel the effects of the natural disaster. 1.5 million people were displaced by the earthquake in January are now residing in tent encampments. These encampments often have poor sanitation and contaminate water supplies. Cholera, which is a bacteria carried in human feces, has been able to flourish in this environment. The outbreak of the disease has already resulted in a death toll of over 200. Health officials are trying to contain the disease as much as possible, however containment is probably the most difficult task at hand. After the disaster many residents were forced out of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and now they often travel back and forth between villages to visit relatives. This increased traveling and increased contact between people has many officials worried that the cholera outbreak will spread widely very quickly.

submitted by Haley Kirk