Cholera Outbreak Update in Haiti: Surging Cases, Hospitalizations, and Vaccination Efforts
The cholera outbreak that emerged in Haiti in early October has already claimed a substantial toll. Early reports from the World Health Organization indicate 283 deaths as of the latest update, underscoring the severity of the situation in the Caribbean nation.
Across the country, surveillance data through December 6 show a total of 13,672 suspected cases, with 1,193 confirmed cases verified by health authorities. This information comes from the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population and is reported by the WHO as part of ongoing efforts to track the outbreak and guide response measures.
Hospitals have been stretched by the surge in patients. About 86% of those infected required hospital care, highlighting the strain on healthcare facilities and the urgency of preventive actions. The overall case fatality rate stands at 2.05%, signaling a need for continued treatment and supportive care for those affected.
The epidemic has affected ten regions, with the Ouest department bearing the highest burden. In recent weeks, the Ouest region has reported 12,112 cases, representing roughly 89% of all confirmed infections. This concentration emphasizes the critical role of targeted interventions in the most affected areas, including the capital city and surrounding communities.
In response to the outbreak, the Pan American Health Organization has stepped in with a vaccination drive. A total of 1.17 million doses of EvichoI vaccine have been delivered to Haiti to help curb transmission and protect vulnerable populations. A further shipment of 500,000 doses is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, which will bolster vaccination capacity as the campaign expands.
The vaccination campaign is set to begin soon and will prioritize the entire population aged one year and older in the hardest-hit areas, including the Ouest department and Port-au-Prince. Health authorities and PAHO expect that expanding vaccination coverage will reduce new infections and complement ongoing hygiene and sanitation measures.
The World Health Organization continues to advocate for full population vaccination alongside robust hygiene practices to prevent infection. Community-level measures, clean water access, safe food handling, and rapid case management are essential components of the broader response to this cholera outbreak.
Cholera is a bacterial infection typically contracted through contaminated food and water. While many infections are mild, the disease can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration and potentially life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. Haiti previously experienced a major cholera epidemic that began in 2010, lasting nearly a decade and resulting in approximately 820,000 cases and 9,792 deaths. Since then, ongoing surveillance and public health interventions have aimed to prevent a return to large-scale transmission.
Experts emphasize the importance of early hydration, oral rehydration solutions, and access to medical care for those who become ill. Public health officials are urging residents to seek care promptly if they develop symptoms such as profuse diarrhea, vomiting, or rapid dehydration, especially in areas with limited access to clean water. Community leaders are encouraged to support vaccination efforts and ensure that vulnerable groups, including children and the elderly, receive timely protection.