Water Insecurity, Sociopolitical Instability, and Resurgence of Cholera in Haiti, 2022: An Outbreak Investigation

Abstract

We investigated a resurgence of cholera in Haiti in 2022, occurring after 3 years without cases. We analyzed data from the National Cholera Surveillance System for the first reported cases in 2022 and interviewed field epidemiology teams. We used logistic regression to identify risk factors associated with confirmed cholera. Few suspected cases reported ever receiving oral cholera vaccine (14%) or previous hospitalization for cholera (7%). Recently changing water sources were associated with culture-confirmed cholera (odds ratio 5.55, 95% CI 2.13–15.12). Spatial analysis of cholera cases revealed significant clustering (P 5 0.001) and low prevalence (11%, 15 of 136) of residual chlorine in private water points in the affected area. Qualitative analysis suggested a link between cholera resurgence and an acute lack of access to safe water because of gang violence. Ongoing response to cholera in Haiti is crucial, alongside sustained investment in long-term solutions like improved water and sanitation infrastructure and addressing socioeconomic issues.