Cholera epidemic seems to be on a rampage in Haiti

There is no respite for the people of Haiti for the time being. After the earthquake, it’s now the turn of deadly cholera .President Rene Preval confirmed the news. Scores of people have died and to believe the official figures about 1500 people have been affected so far mostly residing in the north of the capital port au prince. The president however said that steps are being taken to prevent the disease from spreading further into the rehabilitation camps and rest of the city as it could cause more fatalities.

Cholera is a chronic disease that affects the intestine, the symptoms being acute fever, diarrhea and vomiting. If not treated it claims the life of a person very quickly as it completely dehydrates a person. Human faeces are the main source of contamination and it spreads through contaminated food and water. The people in tents of the rehabilitation camps are more vulnerable to this because they are devoid of proper drinking water and there is no proper sanitation.

Precautionary measures have been issued to the people. Patients are being shifted to clinics in other areas as local hospitals are full.