Diarrhoea outbreak in central Haiti – 138 reported dead already
An outbreak of severe diarrhoea has hit the Central Plateau region of Haiti.
Reports of up to 138 people dead and several hundred more have been hospitalised. 
Hospitals in the region are overwhelmed by sick patients, many wait outside hospitals.
Samples from the dead are being analysed to determine the cause. UNICEF and international agencies are in emergency talks to coordinate responses.
Supplies needed
The International aid agency World Vision has sent urgently needed medical supplies to respond to the sick and support hospitals and clinics.
Hundreds of litres of rehydration fluids, water treatments, medicines and hospital supplies were transported to Central Plateau today.
Situation 'bad'
World Vision’s Emergency Response Health and Nutrition Manager, Dr. Estrella Serrano said we need urgent intervention by the Government of Haiti and UN agencies.
“This is extremely bad and worrying. Reports say many of the casualties showed few symptoms and in some cases died within 24-48 hours," said Dr. Serrano. "If the epidemic makes its way to Port-au-Prince, where children and families are living in unsanitary, overcrowded camps, the results could be disastrous."
Water contamination
World Vision is sending WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) and Health teams to the region to do full assessments.
Theo Huitema, the head of World Vision’s WASH sector, said the water contamination was severe and heavy to cause death so rapidly.
World Vision’s WASH sector is taking preventative steps immediately in all camps in which it is working in Port-au-Prince. This includes massive soap distribution, increased hygiene promotion and extra chlorination of water.
“We have to react immediately with this type of thing and hygiene promotion and soap are two of the most crucial prevention measures you can do quickly,” said Huitema.
Contact
Tressan McCambridge, World Vision Ireland Communications Manager on +353 (0)1 498 0800 or 087 295 9344.
Spokespeople are available for interview.