HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

October 21, 2010. Government Warning Issued for Haiti

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince issued the following Warden Message on October 21:

The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens that the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported that a diarrhea outbreak has occurred in Artibonite Province in the past 24-48 hours. Acute watery diarrhea and nausea seem to be the primary complaints. Measures are being taken to identify the source of the diarrhea as well as contain the outbreak to its current location. Regardless of the etiology of the current outbreak, it is important to remain vigilant in regards to your food and water sources.

Please drink only the Culligan or other bottled water. If not possible, drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine. Other safe beverages include tea and coffee made with boiled water and carbonated, bottled beverages with no ice.

Eat only foods that have been thoroughly cooked and are still hot, or fruit that you have peeled yourself.

Avoid undercooked or raw fish or shellfish.

Make sure all vegetables are cooked. Avoid salads.

A simple rule of thumb is "Boil it, cook it, peel it, or forget it."

Please seek medical assistance if you develop acute, watery diarrhea. Dehydration with this sort of diarrhea can happen quickly.

American citizens are advised to avoid this area and should monitor media coverage to stay abreast of the situation as it develops. U.S. citizens are advised to maintain an increased level of vigilance when traveling in and around Port-au-Prince.