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KEY DEVELOPMENTS
On October 21, the Government of Haiti (GoH) Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed an outbreak of cholera in Artibonite Department. The most-affected areas include St. Marc, Grand Salines, and L'Estere. International media reports indicate 138 cholera-related deaths to date; however, Health Cluster members note that official estimates continue to vary. U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officials are currently working with MoH staff in affected areas to assess the extent of the outbreak. Additional USAID/OFDA personnel will arrive in Haiti to support USAID/Haiti in responding to the outbreak.
The Health Cluster is in the process of determining tools available to respond to the outbreak in Artibonite Department, such as medical supplies, training, and easily understood hygiene messages. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Cluster has circulated information regarding the availability of chlorine tablets and chlorinators and is holding a WASH Cluster meeting in St. Marc on October 22.
USAID/OFDA program office staff continue to engage in post-earthquake activities while monitoring the cholera outbreak. As of October 21, USAID/OFDA grantees had reported constructing 7,552 transitional shelters (t-shelters), representing an increase of 108 t-shelters over last week's total of 7,444.