Cholera outbreak in Haiti threatens to reach the capital by Zuzana Zelenakova

To most of us cholera is a disease of the past. 19th century in particular saw several cholera pandemics. Most likely, cholera has its origins in the Indian subcontinent. Through the trade routes it spread all over the world. Unfortunately, cholera is quite common sight today in developing countries. In other parts of the world it is prevented by filtering and chlorination of water. Right now i tis Haiti that struggles cholera outbreak. The reason for the spread of the disease might be traced back to the devastating earthquake in January 2010, that had an impact on living conditions in the country. So far, more than 250 people died and over 3,000 are infected. The first ca! ses of the disease were recorded last week. Symptoms include sever diarrhea, dehydration, fever and abdominal pain. It may also cause vomiting. The symptoms develop suddenly several days after infection. In Haiti, people fear that cholera could reach the capital of Port-au-Prince with its widespread poverty zones. So far, five cholera patients have bee reported in the capital, however, all of them being isolated incidents. “There are significant numbers of patients in St. Nicholas Hospital in St. Marc, which does not have the capacity to handle a cholera emergency,” said Federica Nogarotto, MSF emergency coordinator in St. Marc, Haiti. “The most important thing is to isolate the cholera patients there from the rest of the patients, in order to best treat those people who are infected and to prevent further spread of the disease. This will also enable the hospital to run as normally as possible. We are setting up a separate, isolated cholera treatment cent! er now Authorities are confident anough about preventing the s! pread of cholera to the capital with the help of aid workers. .” Last time, Haiti experienced cholera pandemic in the 1960s.

related story (sgx18477): http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101024/ap_on_he_me/cb_haiti_dis...

by Zuzana Zelenakova for Cantell TV (http://cantell.tv)

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