Over 130 die of suspected cholera in Haiti

At least 138 people have died in central Haiti in an outbreak of suspected cholera – an emergency that health officials are describing as the country's biggest medical crisis since the January 12 earthquake.

Hospitals in the Lower Artibonite region and Central Plateau area are overwhelmed with patients suffering acute diarrhoea, with victims dying from rapid dehydration.

Experts say up to 80% of cholera cases can be successfully treated with oral rehydration salts – but UN officials are awaiting laboratory tests to confirm cholera as the cause.

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