CWS emergency situation report: Cuba cholera
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Cuba's Public Ministry has reported 158 cases of cholera, most in Manzanillo, a city located in Granma Province, located in southeast Cuba. Isolated cases have been diagnosed in other regions of the country.

Situation report:

Cuba's Public Ministry has reported 158 cases of cholera, most in Manzanillo, a city located in Granma Province, located in southeast Cuba. Isolated cases have been diagnosed in other regions of the country.

Three people have died of the disease -- which is spread through contaminated water -- with authorities saying they believe cholera has been contained now.

Educational efforts have included a national educational campaign that stresses the need to wash hands, drink purified or boiled water and to cook food thoroughly.

CWS response:

The Cuban Council of Churches, a long-time partner of CWS, is involved in national efforts to curb cholera, including conducting diagnostic work. Other work that may be provided in the future includes psycho-social support and further educational work to raise awareness of risks and prevention.

CWS may issue an appeal on behalf of the Cuban Council of Churches if needed.

How to help:

Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts around the world may be made online, sent to your denomination, or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.

  Church World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.

Media Contact:
Lesley Crosson, 212-870-2676, lcrosson@churchworldservice.org
Jan Dragin, 781-925-1526, jdragin@gis.net