Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Port au Prince (Agenzia Fides) – The number of people infected by the cholera epidemic continues to rise that has been raging on the Caribbean island since last October: 215,956 infections and a total of 4,131 deaths. Figures released by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP), sent to Fides, show an increase of 101 deaths compared to the most recent statistics released. According to Haitian health authorities, 117,312 people need to be hospitalized to recover. The area of Artibonite, one of two places where the epidemic began, continues to be the hardest hit with 58,885 cases and 860 deaths, followed by that of Grand Anse (south-west), with 639 deaths. In the Haitian capital of Port au Prince, 423 people have died; in the north there are 617 victims, in the central area 350, in the north-east 244, and in the west 240. According to MSPP's report, the overall mortality rate in Haiti is 1.9%. The disease has spread into the neighbouring Republic of Santo Domingo where there were already 230 cases of infection and death registered. (AP) (4/2/2011 Agenzia Fides)
