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Cholera intervention in South Kivu
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Although easy to prevent and treat, cholera affects up to 4 million people worldwide per year, resulting in up to 140,000 deaths.

Caused by a water-borne bacterial infection of the intestine, cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with fecal matter or vomit from infected people. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and rapidly prove fatal, within hours, if not treated. But cholera is very simple to treat – rehydration is key. Most people respond well to oral rehydration salts, which are easy to administer. In more serious cases, intravenous fluids are required. Ultimately, no-one should die of cholera.

Cholera

Quick facts about cholera

Cholera outbreaks resurgence | Web Clip EN SQUARE
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Cholera outbreaks resurgence

A resurgence of cholera outbreaks

In 2023, 30 countries recorded cases of cholera. MSF teams responded to cholera outbreaks in more than 10 countries, including in Lebanon, Haiti, Syria and DRC; in many of these countries, the situation is worrying. But why are we seeing a resurgence of cholera outbreaks?

CTC Infographic (EN)

What happens in an MSF cholera treatment centre?

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MSF often responds to outbreaks of cholera in the countries we work. But how do we set up our cholera treatment centres to ensure our patients get the best care possible - and that the disease doesn't spread? Learn more about the layout and activities of an MSF cholera treatment centre in this interactive guide.

Learn more about MSF's cholera treament centres
 
Haiti

Cholera epidemic gains ground

Project Update 15 Nov 2010
 
Haiti

Haiti: MSF steps up its cholera response in Port-au-Prince

Project Update 15 Nov 2010
 
Haiti

Scaling up the response to cholera epidemic

Project Update 15 Nov 2010
 
Haiti

'All of the hospitals in Port-au-Prince are overflowing with patients'

Project Update 12 Nov 2010
 
Haiti

Photoblog: Haiti - Spencer Platt/ Getty Images

Voices from the Field 29 Oct 2010
 
Haiti

Responding to the cholera outbreak in Petite Riviere, Haiti

Voices from the Field 28 Oct 2010
 
Haiti

More preparation and prevention and treatment with Haiti cholera outbreak

Project Update 25 Oct 2010
 
Haiti

MSF teams treating cholera patients in Saint-Marc, Artibonite region, Haiti

Project Update 24 Oct 2010
 
Haiti

MSF begins treatment in cholera-affected region of Haiti

Project Update 21 Oct 2010
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We produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. All of these articles can be found on our dedicated Field Research website.

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