Cholera in New York Sparks Fear of Outbreak

By Harrison Golden

Three cases of cholera have been reported in New York this month in the wake of a still-ongoing epidemic in Haiti that has killed thousands of people. Many, including a series of New York City health officials, fear that the re-emergence of the disease in New York and its surrounding areas can lead to local and regional outbreaks.

According to health department officials, the three known infected individuals contracted cholera last month after attending a 500-guest wedding in the Caso de Campo resort, located in the nearby Dominican Republic. They have since recovered from the disease and are not considered to pose any significant public health threat. However, many still remain skeptical and unsure of whether the infectious bacteria can still emerge within the city, even in the most obscure of areas.

“It’s definitely something we should be keeping a close eye on,” said Dr. Michael Phillips, member of the New York City Board of Health and an assistant professor for the Division of Infectious Diseases and Immunology at New York University. “Right now, it seems under control with these three, but infections can often surprise us. But by simply containing it, taking precautions, and hoping for the best, we are greatly reducing our chances of contracting the disease.”

Cholera is a water-borne bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea, dehydration, and vomiting. If not treated, or if treated poorly, patients suffering from it can succumb to its effects within a few hours. Those treated in both a timely manner and with adequate mixtures of antibiotics, water, sugars, and salts face a generally decent prognosis.

Since last October, after the massive earthquake that left hundreds of thousands dead, injured, and homeless, the small coastal nation has experienced a severe shift. Health care workers, including local doctors and nurses, were initially forced to address the immediate issues regarding the earthquake’s victims. As such, many have been left overwhelmed with work and forced to turn down patients, which has since resulted in many once-unattended illnesses gradually becoming more severe with the lack of medical attention.

Infrastructure erosion has also caused the disease to spread throughout Haiti. Pipes and sewage systems were destroyed as a result of the earthquake, leaving many vulnerable to infection.

Officials say that this most recent infection at the Caso de Campo resort reflects the spread of the disease into the Dominican Republic, which shares a border with Haiti and relies primarily on tourism, among other nations. Dozens have already been infected with cholera in the country, including four who claim to have been cured by a pastor named “The Prophet.” Details regarding his methodology have not been released, and he has since fled elsewhere.

In an effort to prevent from getting infected with cholera, representatives from the Centers for Disease Control recommend avoiding raw food, boiling uncooked foods, washing hands with soap, and avoiding swimming or bathing in rivers.

“For the most part, the chances of getting cholera and spreading it around in a structurally elaborate city like New York is slim to none,” said Dr. William Polf, Senior Vice President of Public Relations at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. “But we must constantly analyze how things evolve. New strains of diseases develop constantly, so people of all ages must work to take care of themselves. Right now, examining all the factors and seeing what we have, we think people can feel hopeful.”