Even more catastrophic than the earthquake of January 13 is now the possibility that cholera can affect more than 3 million people in Haiti.

Health official in Port-au-Prince stated that there are signs indicating that the cholera outbreak has arrived in Port-au-prince where more than three million people are currently living under the tent and in poor sanitation. They are worried that if in fact the cholera infection reaches the people living under the tents around the Haitian capital, it would be harder to control.

It has been reported that 546 people are now dead as a direct result of the cholera outbreak in Haiti. Health official were examining several hundred cases in Port-au-Prince to confirm the presence of vibrio cholera bacteria

Since the passing of hurricane Tomas in Haiti, many cases of the epidemic have been reported  in several regions in Haiti. Hospitals outside of the Artibonite region where cholera was first identified are now reporting more patients being treated for cholera.

The allegation that U.N. peacekeepers from Nepal brought cholera to the Haitian population has not been confirmed although there have been many protests from the local people requesting that the Nepalese force leave the country.

In an epidemic situation like the one taking place in Haiti, a rapid dip-stick test is usually available to determine the presence of Vibrio cholera. It is simple to prevent the spread of cholera to the general public. Effective sanitation practices are the most common methods

Are the health authorities in Haiti be able to have the cholera outbreak under control?

Will we have to deal with many more deaths before we see an end?