The Ministry of Public Health reports that it received cholera test results yesterday afternoon, showing 16 positive cases in Barahona, 14 Haitians and 2 Dominicans.
He noted that those affected were treated at the city’s Jaime Motta Public Hospital and then sent to their homes.
Among the reported cases, some patients had multiple comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, hepatitis C, pneumonia, chronic renal failure and HIV, which resulted in some patients remaining in the hospital.
Public Health reports that in light of the cases emerging in the province, it has begun implementing a plan that includes the erection of epidemiological fences in community areas with confirmed cases of diarrhea.
He explained that the operation included the assistance of the portfolio’s technical staff, the organization of cholera vaccination days, hydration, medication, distribution of leaflets containing advice on the prevention of diarrhea, cholera, gastrointestinal problems and other diseases.
Public health authorities report that they maintain active surveillance and health intervention measures in the city and surrounding areas with the aim of stemming an outbreak of acute diarrhea affecting residents of La Cienega due to the consumption of contaminated water.
In addition to the towns of La Cienega, Bajoruco and San Rafael, a large committee of officials, technicians and experts from the Ministry of Public Health is overseeing the work and preventive interventions of the municipal and provincial health directorates.
A press statement shows that since last Saturday (November 4), the Provincial Health Directorate has informed the Ministry of Health of the occurrence of the diarrhea epidemic, and Minister Daniel Rivera ordered an immediate intervention in the area and reinforcement and permanent monitoring of patients treated in the primary care ward of La Ciénega and the Jaime Mota Hospital of Barahona.
He said with the assistance of the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewerage (INAPA), properly disinfected household water has been distributed in all these communities and water tanks have been placed at different strategic locations for the convenience of housewives.
Likewise, he reported that INAPA has begun work on the renovation of different pipelines that recently collapsed due to the collapse of a section of the San Rafael Aqueduct that supplies water to the population, all caused by the heavy downpours recorded throughout the year . urban area.
So far, 45 patients with diarrhea have been treated at Jaime Mota Hospital and at UNAP in Bahoruco and La Ciénega, from whom samples have been collected and sent to Dr. Defillo National Laboratory.
He recalled that last Thursday, neighborhood committee representatives from the three communities held a meeting to hear their concerns about the current situation.
The meeting was attended by Ms. Genara González, Provincial Director of the Ministry of Environment, David López, Nelson Andrés Peña of the Public Works Department, Dr. Gina Estrella, Director of the Risk Management Department of the MSP, Dr. Ángel Mateo, Director of the Provincial Department of Environment and Health of San Juan.
In addition, Mr. Gerson Peña, from INAPA; General Antonio Aguilera, Armed Forces; Colonel Cyprian Matos, Police; Enoelia Paula, from the Red Cross; Carlos Confidente, from the Civil Defense; La Cienega Mayor José Moreta and Mayor Francisco Alberto of Bahoruco.
According to the Public Health Department, these actions and interventions affected 5,670 people and vaccinated 3,114 houses; in addition, 4,457 kits containing liquid and paste chlorine were used to purify water, 2,090 Oral rehydration serum was placed, including 2,933 prophylactic medications (doxycycline 100 GM).
Laboratory results from different aquifer sources in the Bahoruco and La Palmita rivers were positive for fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas, but negative for Vibrio cholerae. However, they advise against drinking water from these rivers due to existing pollution.
“Health authorities are treating this situation with the utmost seriousness. Our medical teams are on site to handle each case with the aim of providing appropriate treatment to protect the patient’s life,” the press statement noted.
The public health department said that in response to the epidemic, everyone’s unity and cooperation are crucial. “We urge you to take precautions, follow official information and seek medical advice promptly,” he added.