The people of Haiti are suffering yet another blow this week. It was reported by CNN that “Chaos reigned north of Haiti’s capital Friday as hospitals overflowed with people rushing to get help from a fast-moving cholera outbreak that has killed at least 138 people.” Cholera, caused by a bacterial infection of the intestine, can occur from drinking water or eating food contaminated with the infected bacteria. Without proper treatment those experiencing symptoms can die within hours. As earlier mentioned, 138 people died in the 48 hours after the first reported case and another 1,526 people have become infected. “This outbreak is likely to get much larger, given our experience with cholera in the past,” said Dr. Jon K. Andrus, deputy director of the Pan American Health Organization.
The Haiti Orphan Rescue Program (HORP) needs your help now more than ever. It is becoming increasingly important to build adequate permanent shelter for Haitian orphaned and abandoned children. By providing proper shelter we can help eliminate the conditions in which an outbreak can spread.
Visit HORP to learn more about this worthy cause and to contribute through programs like the “Adopt an Orphanage” and “HORP Ambassadors.”
