UNITED NATIONS, United States (CMC) – The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Monday said that cholera cases in Haiti continue to climb as health authorities report a significant increase in suspected cases across the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, with Pétion-Ville emerging as a main hotspot.

Farhan Haq, the Deputy Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, told the daily news briefing that between September 21 and 25 alone, 40 suspected cases and three deaths were reported in Pétion-Ville, a major economic hub with a with a large number of schools.

“This surge is particularly concerning, with the new school year set to begin in just two days.

In total, 66 suspected cases were recorded in the capital and surrounding communes in recent days – an alarming rise compared to previous weeks.

“Young adults, who are highly mobile due to work and daily activities, account for most of the cases, fuelling concerns of spread across the communes of Pétion-Ville, Delmas, Tabarre and Carrefour,” Haq told reporters.

He said that so far this year, more than 3,100 suspected cholera cases have been reported nationwide.

Local health teams are conducting investigations, collecting samples, distributing water purification tablets, and launching awareness campaigns in neighbourhoods such as in Brisetoux and Bobin.

“OCHA, together with authorities and our partners, is working to ensure there is rigorous case monitoring and that health workers are rapidly mobilised to reduce the risk of the further spread of cholera,” Haq added.