Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and has been around since 1816. The main symptoms are profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Transmission is primarily through contaminated drinking water or food. The severity of the diarrhea and vomiting can lead to rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

The good news: the infection can be easily treated with oral or intravenous rehydration solutions. Antibiotics may be beneficial, and in certain cases they are used.

The bad news: cholera is a major cause of death in the world and unfortunately this age old pandemic has hit Haiti.

After the earthquake in Haiti earlier this year, the United States government, celebrities, and other major players came together to save the people of Haiti. Well it doesn’t seem that the re-building is happening quickly enough as cholera deaths have risen to over 300 and nearly 5,000 people have now been infected. The source of the outbreak is still unclear, although a UN peacekeeping force in the Caribbean nation is probing claims that its septic tanks leaked into the Artibonite River, and contaminated the river with fecal bacteria. Officials state it could be many years before it is eradicated. Like you, I am wondering why several years and we’re now living in the 21st century? What’s the hold-up?

Well one person who wants to help get this problem solved sooner rather than later is 106th & Park host Terrence J. Terrence has teamed up with an organization called Project Medishare that has been providing medical care in Haiti for 16 years. He has set up a program where you can text to donate and 100% of the money will go towards buying supplies to fight this cholera epidemic. So instead of copping that new Torch Blackberry or those new Louboutin Ambertina’s, please text SAVE to 501501 right now! This is our chance to make a difference, to do our part, and to save lives.

Peep Terrence’s PSA video below: