1:  Cholera – Residents of the Federation are advised that the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the cholera situation in Haiti, the Dominican Republic and beyond, in conjunction with regional health institutes and partners.  The Public Health Sector has been mobilized for full preparedness.

People contract cholera after drinking water and food contaminated with feces containing cholera bacteria.  Many persons experience no symptoms or mild illness but in severe cases, symptoms include large volumes of watery diarrhea and vomiting.  Severely affected persons are high risk for life threatening dehydration and can die within hours.  Severe cholera is a true medical emergency. 

Persons travelling to and from cholera affected areas must be vigilant about personal hygiene.  Consume food and beverages that are known to be safe.  Wash hands properly with soap and water after using toilets

Cholera is preventable through the proper disposal of human feces in toilets, and the piped delivery of drinking water.  The Federation is cholera-free and has been so for over four decades because of high quality public health and water supply engineering services. 

Residents are urged to continue adhering to the highest standards of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation.  Protect water sources; assist the Solid Waste Corporation and the Parks and Beaches Unit in their work to keep our communities clean and tidy.  Parents, guardians and teachers are asked to instill and reinforce cleanliness in their children.  Report all violators of the public health laws.

2:  Diabetes Week – As a post-script to Diabetes Week 2010, the Ministry of Health encourages persons who have excess weight or who have family members with diabetes to get tested for high blood sugar.  There is an epidemic of diabetes in the Federation because of the overconsumption of factory produced, calorie-dense food and beverages, and physical inactivity. 

1046 diabetics are registered with the community health centers.  At least another 1000 persons are undiagnosed.  Uncontrolled diabetes leads to complications in many organs and early death.  However, diabetes is preventable and controllable.  Expert advice and care are readily available in health centers and private practices.