COVID-19
Due to the health emergency declared by the government of the Dominican Republic, UNHCR is reinforcing its preparedness, prevention and response measures for COVID-19. At this time, it is important to reduce social contact and contain the spread of the virus, in a joint effort of all of society.
Cholera
Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae that causes a lot of watery diarrhea and vomiting. If left untreated, cholera can cause death from dehydration (loss of water and salts from the body) within a few hours.
What are the symptoms?
They appear 2 to 5 days after infection:
- Poop or liquid and profuse poop, similar to rice water
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain (abdominal)
- Dehydration
How is it transmitted?
It is found in the feces and vomit of infected people. Cholera enters through the mouth:
- By consuming contaminated food or water
- For dirty hands
- By contact with vomit or infected feces
Prevention measures:
Handwashing
• Wash your hands well with soap and water:
- before eating
- when you get home
- After going to the bathroom
- to prepare food
- After changing the baby’s diaper
- After cleaning up feces or vomit
Food
- Clean canned goods and containers with bleach and water before opening them.
- Eat well-cooked food
- Wash fruits and vegetables well.
- Keep the area where you prepare food clean.
- Cover food after cooking to protect from flies.
Water consumption
• If you don’t have access to bottled water, add 5 drops of bleach per gallon of clear water and let stand 30 minutes before drinking. After treating and drinking it, protect it from being contaminated.
Source: Ministerio de Salud Pública República Dominicana (2022)