The cholera epidemic in Haiti has killed over a thousand people and has complicated U.N. peacekeeping efforts in the island nation. The disease has been found in 6 of Haiti’s 10 provinces, with the most severe cases occuring in the province of Artibonite.
Cholera, an infectious disease involving the small intestine, causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Death, which can occur within hours after infection, is often the result of extreme dehydration. Cholera is caused by a bacteria and thrives in feces-contaminated water.
The first case of cholera in Haiti was confirmed on October 21. This was the first case recorded in decades. U.N. health officials have sought to determine the source of the outbreak. Some officials suspect the cholera arrived with U.N. peacekeeper forces. As a result, riots have broken out throughout the island.
A team of health care workers from Doctors Without Borders arrived nearly two weeks ago in St. Denis. They have organized a public health awareness campaign in order to bring necessities, provide treatment, and prevent the spread of the infection.
Effective methods do exist to prevent transmission. The U.N. has shipped several tons of soap into the country. While other methods to prevent transmission do exist (like distributing bottled water), these plans have been difficult to implement due to distribution and cost barriers.
Recent riots have also interfered with efforts to combat cholera.
While public health campaigns have been implemented in order to advise Haitians to avoid contaminated sources of water, the cholera outbreak continues.
Residents often lack access to clean drinking water and lack the resources to purchase bottled water. Local rivers are often used for a myriad of purposes including industry and agriculture. The Artibonite River, the main source of water for many Haitians, continues to be used for sanitation purposes.
To further complicate relief efforts, local hospitals have been overrun with cases of diarrhea, which have been confused with cholera. Due to fear of infection, some families have not claimed their deceased.
