2011, Number 1
Cholera epidemic in Haiti. Experience of the Cuban Medical Brigade
Somarriba LL, Silva VJA
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Language: Spanish
References: 6
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ABSTRACT
Objective: To describe the main variable behavior of Haiti cholera epidemic, as well as educational activities undertaken to reduce it and to outline the lessons learned in dealing with this disease. Method: We performed a descriptive cross-sectional observational research. The study period extends from October 15th, 2010 through August 13, 2011. Results: The Cuban Medical Brigade in Haiti was made up of 1 349 members fighting cholera, including the strengthening Henry Reeve Brigade. It was established a network of institutions composed of 44 cholera treatment units and 23 cholera treatment centers. During the course of the disease two epidemic peaks broke up. Later on, the report of cases diminished, and the endemicity stage started. 75 000 549 cases have been treated. 30.1% of them aged below 15 years. Unfortunately, 272 lives were lost, 15.4% of them aged below 15 years. It was possible to decrease the cumulative case fatality rate to 0.36%. Due to the timely medical assistance over 75 thousand Haitian lives were saved. The departments reporting higher number of cases were Central and Artibonite. 50 groups were formed for active search which visited more than 440 000 homes in more than 7 000 villages. They contacted more than 2.8 million Haitians who received chlorine tablets, oral rehydration salts, medications, educational activities and focus control. They settled on lessons learned from the epidemic from the work experiences of the Cuban Medical Brigade. We outlined the lessons learnt from the work carried out by the Cuban Medical Brigade. Conclusions: The epidemiological surveillance system and the statistical record of the Cuban Medical Brigade allowed the clinical diagnosis and the follow up of the course of this disease by taking the appropriate decisions in shaping the network of units for the prevention and care of cholera patients. The insertion of Henry Reeve Brigade in the structure set up by Cuba-Venezuela Project helped to create active search groups (GPA), the network of units, and cholera treatment centers by integrating actions with the Haitian population which allowed achieving outstanding indicators. The lessons learned in dealing with this epidemic will help to adjust the Manual of Standards and Procedures for the management of cholera disease.REFERENCES