THE Dominican Republic has not registered new cases of cholera and the lab tests for the four that were under observation resulted negative, Public Health minister Bautista Rojas affirmed last week. Confirmed cases remain at four.
The official said the patients admitted to three hospitals and several clinics in various sectors of Santo Domingo had only common diarrhoea from a rotavirus which affects the country this time of the year and that the authorities continue the search for new cases.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports that the government of Dominican Republic has a national plan aimed at preventing and controlling cholera outbreak in the country. This response includes enhancing surveillance, water and sanitation services and education. They are also focusing on prompt and appropriate care for those who become infected.
PHAC recommends practicing safe food and water precautions and advises speaking with a health care provider about cholera vaccine. PHAC does not recommend avoiding travel to the Dominican Republic.
Cholera is spread by drinking or eating contaminated water or food. It is associated with watery diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which may be life-threatening.
Visit PHAC for more information at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/thn-csv/rep-cholera-eng.php.