Cholera update

As the cholera outbreak in Haiti continues, it seems likely that the disease will become endemic there. This tragedy for the Haitian people has regional implications as well, with potential for rapid spread to neighboring countries. There are two recent notable papers in Annals of Internal Medicine, one modeling the outbreak and one editorial about the complex prevention challenges there. Safe potable water, sanitation, and vaccine delivery for prevention; rehydration and antibiotic therapy for treatment--all require infrastructure that doesn’t yet exist in Haiti.

Photo credit to Ramon Espinosa of the Associated Press

Haiti and the Dominican Republic: How to help

Many of you are no doubt following the humanitarian crisis unfolding after the earthquake. The large scale damage to healthcare facilities in Haiti complicates treatment of trauma victims and will challenge efforts to control communicable disease outbreaks.

The simplest way to help is to give money to support the earthquake response, to outfits like the Red Cross, Partners in Health, and Doctors Without Borders.