BIOSURVEILLANCE UPDATE - 4

OPERATIONAL BIOSURVEILLANCE

HELPFUL COMMENTS FROM WHO REGARDING IMPROVED PREPAREDNESS FOR CHOLERA FROM "WHO"

USEFUL COMMENTS FOR IMPROVED PREPAREDNESS

Training of health workers is an essential element for preparedness, especially in high-risk areas. Emergency supply needs should be evaluated in the light of the particular situation:

– likely attack rate in refugee camps, with high-risk populations (because of malnutrition), is 5-8%;

– in open settings, an attack rate of 0.2% might be used;

– in rural communities of 5000 people or less, the attack rate might reach 2%.

Emergency stocks of basic supplies should be prepared so that they can be mobilized quickly.


**** ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE PROFILE OF CHOLERA IN HAITI ***

We have an unconfirmed rumor of the cholera strain in circulation being doxycycline-resistant and cipro/cotrimoxizole sensitive. The entire response grid would find this information crucial. We have sent queries to obtain confirmation.