A group of 500 Haitian tourists currently staying in Panama are being monitored as health authorities express concern about the spread of cholera.

Prevention measures have been stepped up following the recent influx of 1,700 Haitian visitors..

"If cholera comes to Panama, it will cause a huge expense to public health and the country with the large number of hospitalizations and the great amount of medical attention required," says Health Minister, Franklin Vergara.

The Ministry of Health has health centers across the country but, as in other countries, staff could become scarce due to fatigue in the event of an emergency situation said Vergara.
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