Bright Hope Brings Hope and Relief to Cholera Victims in Haiti

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hurricane Tomas has complicated the already difficult sanitary and living conditions of the Haitian people.  The results of the flooding have caused a high spike in the number of cases of Cholera.  The death toll is over 800 and rising, with 11,215 reported cases, according to the Haitian Health Ministry's website.

Bright Hope has access to immediate aid to help with this urgent health situation in affected regions we serve. "Our indigenous church network and partners in Haiti are aligned, and ready to receive and distribute life-saving rehydration supplies and medicines," states Craig H. Dyer, President of Bright Hope. "They are also prepared to educate on increased sanitary measures their communities can follow to prevent further outbreaks.  Please keep the Haitian people in your prayers as they face yet another life threatening challenge."

Cholera is caused by infection with bacterium called Vibrio Cholerae.  This bacterium produces a toxin the small bowel. It is spread through water contaminated with feces or contaminated food.  Cholera is most likely to occur in places where people can't get access to clean water or sanitation is poor, for example after a natural disaster or in a war zone. Symptoms are severe diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, dehydration, and in children may cause a fever. The average incubation period is 2-5 days and may cause rapid death if fluids are not replaced.  Oral re-hydration therapy is crucial in saving lives.

By the time the symptoms are produced, the infection has spread rapidly.  Therefore a vaccine is given only to prevent Cholera.  The main treatment for Cholera is oral rehydration therapy.  This can be achieved through a solution of salt, sugar and clean water, given in large doses to match the output of the fluids as a replacement.  If symptoms are severe, antibiotics are administered to fight the infection and control the diarrhea so that fluids may be retained.

Due to unusually high occurrences of disasters over the past 10 months across the countries we serve, the Bright Hope Disaster fund has been depleted.  We need your help to provide this additional relief effort to those in need.  To donate $5 for oral rehydration supplies or $10 for antibiotics, go online to BrightHope.org

Bright Hope is a not for profit 501(c)(3) organization bringing Hope to those living on less than $1 a day.      

Bright Hope is in the Top 5% of charities, receiving five consecutive 4-Star ratings by Charity Navigator.

SOURCE Bright Hope International

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