WHO Predicts Worst-Case Cholera Scenario in Haiti

WHO Predicts Worst-Case Cholera Scenario in HaitiGeneva, Oct 28. -The World Health Organization (WHO) predicted a worst-case scenario for the cholera epidemic in Haiti, which has killed 284 people, it was reported here on Wednesday.

Claire Lise Chaignat, a cholera expert at the WHO, said in a news conference that the epidemic had not yet reached its highest level.

She also stressed the importance of information and prevention for contain this unprecedented outbreak in the Caribbean nation.

Chaignat warned authorities that Haiti was preparing for the possible spread of cholera in the camps housing survivors of the January 12 earthquake that killed over 200,000 people.

The mortality rate fell to 7.7 percent, compared to 10 percent at the beginning of the outbreak, the official said.

The WHO reported the construction of 12 cholera treatment centers to facilitate isolation and treatment of those cases: six in the department of Artibonite, one in Central, and five in Port-au-Prince. (Prensa Latina)