Health authorities in the Dominican Republic are investigating eleven individuals with symptoms of acute diarrhea, potentially indicating cholera.
These cases were reported in Barahona province, located in the southwestern region of the country.
According to a statement from the Dominican Ministry of Public Health, the affected individuals include four men and seven women of Haitian nationality.
Their ages range from 2 to 82 years, and they reside in the community of Los Cocos, Enriquillo (Barahona).
The patients are currently in stable condition and have been admitted to local hospitals, where they are receiving hydration and medication.
Medical samples have been collected and are currently undergoing analysis.
In response to these cases, an epidemiological surveillance is being conducted in the community to identify any additional individuals experiencing diarrhea or suspected cholera.
Medications are being provided, and vaccination against cholera is planned for asymptomatic individuals within the next 24 hours.
Ongoing surveillance measures have been implemented to prevent the further spread of the disease.
To ensure the safety of the community, the drinking water supply in the area has been temporarily closed for testing.
Water trucks have been deployed to supply clean water to the residents.
Since the initial cholera case was reported in October, over a hundred cases have been confirmed in the Dominican Republic.
The first patient was a 32-year-old Haitian woman who had recently returned from the neighboring country, where cholera has already resulted in approximately 750 deaths.