It Could Happen Here
In January of this year a massive earthquake struck Haiti resulting in loss of life and extensive damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. The one million people who lost their homes were relocated in emergency camps where they were compelled to live in tents. To make matters worse, Typhoon Thomas struck the island three weeks ago bringing widespread flooding and causing the river to overflow, whilst heavy rain has further worsened the situation.
With so many people living in such crowded conditions, and with no fresh water or toilet facilities available, the consequence has been the outbreak of cholera. .
So far 1,200 people have died from the disease with a further 17,000 having been treated. A further 65 new cases are now being reported on a daily basis, with cases having increased sevenfold within the last three days. The outbreak has now spread to the capital Porto Prince, and more recently to the city of Sap-Hatiens. Cases have also been reported over the border in the Dominican Republic which is now denying access to refugees.
Livelihoods have been affected too since fish caught in the nearby river are carriers of the disease, so that people there can no longer sell or eat the local fish. Hospitals are overflowing and doctors are exhausted. It has been estimated by some that a further 200,000 could contract the disease, double the number of those who died in the Zimbabwe epidemic two years ago. Others have suggested that the outbreak is now unstoppable. The United Nations has launched an appeal for $160million to deal with the crisis, whilst Pope Benedict has called upon the international community to help in whatever way they can.
More recently rioting has broken out, with local people accusing the Nepalese peace workers of spreading the disease, despite the fact that tests conducted since have shown this not to be the case. There have been violent protests, attacks on peace workers, and also attacks upon the cholera treatment centres. In some cases rioting has prevented supplies of medicine from reaching these centres. Police have used tear gas to break up the riots, with three rioters having been killed so far. The government of Haiti has now declared a state of national emergency.
Cholera is not necessarily fatal if treated quickly with rehydration and with anti-biotics. Basic hygiene is the key to the prevention of cholera, and the washing of hands with soap is essential as a preventative measure.
Here in Kalibo typhoon Frank caused immeasurable damage and hardship, but often it is the period which follows such an event where most lives are lost, due to the outbreak of diseases such as cholera. When an area becomes flooded cess pits tend to overflow, whilst the carcases of animals and decaying bodies can often be found floating about in the floods.
We should all pay attention to basic hygiene, especially to the use of soap when washing our hands, if we wish to prevent a similar situation from happening here./TE
In January of this year a massive earthquake struck Haiti resulting in loss of life and extensive damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure. The one million people who lost their homes were relocated in emergency camps where they were compelled to live in tents. To make matters worse, Typhoon Thomas struck the island three weeks ago bringing widespread flooding and causing the river to overflow, whilst heavy rain has further worsened the situation.
With so many people living in such crowded conditions, and with no fresh water or toilet facilities available, the consequence has been the outbreak of cholera. .
So far 1,200 people have died from the disease with a further 17,000 having been treated. A further 65 new cases are now being reported on a daily basis, with cases having increased sevenfold within the last three days. The outbreak has now spread to the capital Porto Prince, and more recently to the city of Sap-Hatiens. Cases have also been reported over the border in the Dominican Republic which is now denying access to refugees.
Livelihoods have been affected too since fish caught in the nearby river are carriers of the disease, so that people there can no longer sell or eat the local fish. Hospitals are overflowing and doctors are exhausted. It has been estimated by some that a further 200,000 could contract the disease, double the number of those who died in the Zimbabwe epidemic two years ago. Others have suggested that the outbreak is now unstoppable. The United Nations has launched an appeal for $160million to deal with the crisis, whilst Pope Benedict has called upon the international community to help in whatever way they can.
More recently rioting has broken out, with local people accusing the Nepalese peace workers of spreading the disease, despite the fact that tests conducted since have shown this not to be the case. There have been violent protests, attacks on peace workers, and also attacks upon the cholera treatment centres. In some cases rioting has prevented supplies of medicine from reaching these centres. Police have used tear gas to break up the riots, with three rioters having been killed so far. The government of Haiti has now declared a state of national emergency.
Cholera is not necessarily fatal if treated quickly with rehydration and with anti-biotics. Basic hygiene is the key to the prevention of cholera, and the washing of hands with soap is essential as a preventative measure.
Here in Kalibo typhoon Frank caused immeasurable damage and hardship, but often it is the period which follows such an event where most lives are lost, due to the outbreak of diseases such as cholera. When an area becomes flooded cess pits tend to overflow, whilst the carcases of animals and decaying bodies can often be found floating about in the floods.
We should all pay attention to basic hygiene, especially to the use of soap when washing our hands, if we wish to prevent a similar situation from happening here./TE
No comments:
Post a Comment