Dominican RepublicUpdate on cholera in SantiagoApr 25, 2012Update on cholera in Santiago
According to International SOS, there is an outbreak of cholera in Tamboril, in Santiago province. At least 500 cases have been reported and several people have died.
Government health officials say the outbreak is under control. The outbreak may be a result of recent heavy rain which damaged water and sewer infrastructure in April. This could have caused the local drinking water to be contaminated.
Until 2010, cholera had been absent from the Dominican Republic. At that time, neighboring Haiti experienced an earthquake, followed by a cholera epidemic. Between 2010 and late 2011, more than 22,000 people were infected in the Dominican Republic. Near the end of 2011, activity slowed.
There is no vaccine available in the U.S. to prevent cholera.
CholeraNov 23, 2011Cholera
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that cases of cholera continue to remain at elevated levels. The outbreak has been ongoing since November 2010. The highest number of cases in September 2011 were in San Juan, Santo Domingo, and the National District.
Measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease. If precautions are taken, the risk of cholera for travelers is likely very low. Travelers should be careful to consume only safe food and water. No cholera vaccine is available in the U.S. Refer to
www.cdc.gov for more information.
