One year after the beginning of the outbreak, the case fatality ratio has dropped below the World Health Organization 1% standard, and more people have access to clean water. However, cholera continues to spread throughout Haiti. Experience from past cholera outbreaks around the world suggests that Haiti may have ongoing cholera transmission for years to come. Improving Haiti’s water and sanitation infrastructure is critical to achieving large health gains and reducing the opportunity for cholera to spread. To date, the United States Government has spent over $75 million on improved water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities, establishing and running cholera treatment centers, training Haitian health care workers in preventing, diagnosing and treating cholera, and providing treatment and prevention materials. CDC will continue to invest in cholera prevention infrastructure and activities, while also maintaining relationships with other agencies and partners to reestablish and strengthen public health systems in Haiti.
Facts About Cholera