We will be embarking on our fifth trip to Haiti with CleanWell in tow, in April of 2012.
So far:
1500+ children hugged, taught, and hand sanitized
100 pounds of rice and beans consumed
16,000+ photos snapped
90 sets of watercolor paints thoroughly used
250 bean seeds germinated
Hundreds of CleanWell hand sanitizer spray bottles handed out to children, teachers, and food service workers in 4 cities throughout Haiti
and more smiles than we can count.
[slideshow]
A cholera epidemic has been occurring in Haiti since October, 2010.
Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. An estimated 3-5 million cases and over 100,000 deaths occur each year around the world. The infection is often mild or without symptoms, but can sometimes be severe. Approximately one in 20 (5%) infected persons will have severe disease characterized by profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. In these people, rapid loss of body fluids leads to dehydration and shock. Without treatment, death can occur within hours.
The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or food sources that have been contaminated by feces (poop) from a person infected with cholera. Cholera is most likely to be found and spread in places with inadequate water treatment, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygiene. Source
Proper hygiene can help prevent the spread of cholera and other preventable diseases. Wash hands frequently with hot, soapy water or use a hand sanitizer such as CleanWell frequently, especially before handling food and after going to the toilet.