Most of you have heard by now about the cholera epidemic taking place in Haiti right now.  The story first hit the news last Thursday when it was reported that 135 people had died.  The number of deaths is now at almost 300. 

Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine that causes profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain that can lead to rapid dehydration and death within a matter of hours if left untreated.  The primary treatment is to give rehydration fluid orally or, if need be, intravenously.  Antibiotics can shorten the duration of the illness and reduce fluid loss.  It is transmitted through contaminated drinking water or food.  Cholera has not been seen in Haiti for 50 years. 

If you look at news reports today there are conflicting opinions on whether the epidemic is slowing down or just getting started, whether it's spreading or being contained.  Whatever the case may be, we wanted to let you know how Haitian Christian Mission is being affected and how we are responding.

The epidemic began in the Artibonite Region about 60 miles north of Port-au-Prince.  HCM has a church and school in La Croix Perisse, a village southeast of Gonaives and in the affected region.  (See map below.)  So far 35 people have died in La Croix, eight of whom were members of the HCM church.  It has been reported to us that a thousand people are infected in that small village.

Fond Parisien is located several hours drive away from the center of the epidemic, but four suspected cases of cholera have been seen in the clinic.  Betty Prophete and our Haitian physicians are doing all they can to prepare for a possible influx of patients with cholera in the Fond Parisien area.  Dr. Patrick attended a meeting at the Ministry of Health today and is hoping to get medication from the Haitian government.  Betty has been buying supplies in Port-au-Prince and has a tent prepared for quarantine.  As is often the case with Betty, she is very busy but is staying positive and hopeful.

At the HCM schools and churches, teachers and preachers are educating the people in their communities about the disease and prevention.  Preachers are also coming to Fond Parisien to get water purification tablets to distribute. 
During the last two weeks teams from FAME have been staying busy in Fond Parisien and in mobile clinics.  They are seeing a number of emergency cases.  Future mission trips to Haiti are not being cancelled but those traveling to Haiti are advised to visit the CDC site. 

We  ask that you join us in praying for the people of Haiti and for those caring for the sick.

Click here to make a donation toward HCM's medical ministry.