Everyone who has visited Haiti in the past seven days should report to the nearest health center.
This is according to the Ministry of Health, which is assuring the public that there are no cases of cholera in Dominica and it intends to keep it that way.
The ministry’s statements come in response to concerns about the rising death toll in Haiti to cholera related illnesses. So far, over 200 people have died.
The ministry has devised a plan of action to address public concerns. These include an amplified public awareness campaign and surveillance at the island’s ports of entry.
“There is heightened surveillance and monitoring activities at all ports of entry as well as at sentinel sites across the island,” the ministry said.
A surveillance team would also be stepping up its vigilance and public service announcements will be issued via various mediums to educate the public on the signs of disease.
Cholera is transmitted when a person drinks water or eat food contaminated with the cholera bacterium.
Meanwhile, reports from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), reaching the Ministry of Health have confirmed wide-spread reports of the outbreak of cholera in Haiti.
“The Ministry wishes to reassure the general public that there are no known cases of cholera in Dominica. However, we urge the general public to remain calm but very vigilant in preventing the introduction of the disease in Dominica,” the ministry said in its statement to the press today.
The disease
Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholera.
The illness can sometimes be severe, but persons may also present with mild or no symptoms. Symptoms usually include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscle cramps.
Diarrhea and vomiting associated with cholera can lead to rapid loss of body fluids, which can cause dehydration and shock. Without adequate treatment, death can occur within hours.
“The Ministry is on alert as we recognize that there may be travel to and from Haiti. The Ministry has developed an action plan so to respond effectively if the need arises,” the press statement said.
The hygiene measures for protection against cholera, as highlighted by the health ministry, specify that individuals should: Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, changing diapers and before handling or preparing food; If no water is available clean hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer; and Keep foods at correct temperature.
The death toll from Cholera out break in Haiti has risen to more than 330 people.
When they arrive on the island they do not stay one place they move around. There is never
a stable address for them.
Is the hospital prepared to or equip to handle patients with Cholera. For Cholera is spreading
like wild fire in Haiti. One does not wait for something to happen. Cholera is an infection of the
fat small intestine caused by bacterium vibrio cholerae.
The main symptoms profused watery diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pains/with cramps.
The hospital needs a special unit/room for these patients. The airport, the first place to start checking a nurse should be present at the airport to record these symptoms/
Must admit the responses are negligible.Are you guys too much into the celebrations? Where’s my north eastern cousin (everybody who is qualified or in position or making the news cousin) MD from california ,Dr.FET? Are you on the island of Haiti assisting?
These are some of the BS I can’t take with our Experts in Dominica! If you want to keep track, then the best place to start is at the airport, when they come in take them to where they can be checked! Or better yet, put a hold on them from coming in until such time when it is clear for them to travel again!
I visited a Caribbean Country a few short years ago that was under threat of this disease and all on the radio and TV the health officials were advising that everyone use Protex Soap to wash their hands.
Persons were advised to wash their hands, rinse out the soap, and wash the head of the pipe and finally wash their hands as far up to ones elbows.
Apparently Protex Soap is a medicated soap or what is referred to as an antibacterial soap.
Persons using public transport, public conveniences and congregating in public places should exercise a defensive health posture. Walk with a small hand sanitizer with you and make wise purchases from vendors (careful with solo vendors) selling food and especially drinks that are in coolers with ice. Yes Ice can be deadly. It is time we have dry ice for sale in Dominica.
YET!
I have confident in our Public Health professionals capacity to work towards the prevention of this disease. We need the collaboration of all persons especially our migrant population from Haiti who have recently travelled from their country. We may wish to use the police to ensure compliance.
I hate people who boast………………………………………………………….Put a plan in place , do not let them come to you. Once these people comes from HAITI they should be taken from the airport straight to the hospital…………………..In the next couple weeks we are going to hear of an out break of color-ea in Dominica all because of all you slackness and in the first place trafficking these people.
Love in the era of cholera, let’s discuss it.