The Tribune

BY JADE RUSSELL

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville yesterday confirmed a 52-year-old Bahamian man had been diagnosed with cholera in New Providence - but said the man did not travel to Haiti despite speculation.

“The patient is a 52-year-old Bahamian male with a recent history of travel,” said the Ministry of Health and Wellness yesterday.

“The patient presented at a private medical facility yesterday with vomiting and diarrhoea and was subsequently admitted and isolated pending screening for suspected cholera, which has since been confirmed via lab test.”

“He is currently receiving treatment and is listed in stable condition.

 “Disease Surveillance is monitoring the situation along with other relevant government agencies as is standard operating practice.”

 The ministry said symptoms of cholera include profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, thirst, leg cramps, restlessness and irritability.

People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, the ministry said, adding cholera is an extremely virulent disease and can take anywhere from 12 hours to five days to manifest after ingesting contaminated food or water.

The public was yesterday advised to use and drink safe water and to practice proper handwashing while preparing food and after using the bathroom.

Cholera is not endemic to The Bahamas. The last case of cholera in the country was recorded in 2017, according to the ministry.

While the minister was adamant that the patient did not travel to Haiti, he did not give any other details on the patient’s recent travel history.