Cólera no Haiti: uma análise da incidência, mortalidade e da letalidade no período de 2010 a 2023

Abstract

Introduction: Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae. Its severe form is characterized by extreme watery diarrhea and potentially fatal dehydration. Although it can be easily treated with simple measures such as oral rehydration salts, cholera remains a significant threat due to its high morbidity and mortality among vulnerable populations with limited access to basic sanitation and adequate healthcare. Objective: To describe the incidence, mortality, and case fatality rates of cholera in Haiti between the years 2010 and 2023.Method: This is an epidemiological, observational, cross- sectional study based on secondary, publicly available data from the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Public Health of Haiti. Descriptive analyses are presented using absolute case numbers and population-based rates. Results: The annual cholera case volume reached 3,336, and the mortality rate rose to 40 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants. The case fatality rate was 2.3%. The cholera epidemic that occurred in Haiti between 2010 and 2011 was associated with the consequences of the 2010 earthquake. The low incidence or renewed surge in 2022 was attributed to underreporting of cases, persistent poverty, and lack of access to adequate healthcare and sanitation services. Conclusion: The identification of health indicators related to cholera incidence, mortality, and case fatality in Haiti reveals underlying factors associated with disease occurrence and deaths. This highlights the need for effective intersectoral health promotion measures aimed at reducing or eliminating this disease.