Cholera reaches Haiti quake camps
Health officials confirm first case of deadly disease in camp for earthquake survivors as toll soars to 600. | Last Modified: 11 Nov 2010 | " ... The development heightened fears that the disease, which has already claimed hundreds of lives, could spread rapidly among thousands of people living in the cramped camps - the perfect breeding ground for cholera. ... "
At least 600 people have been killed by cholera since the first cases were confirmed about two weeks ago. More than 7,000 others are receiving treatment. ... Haiti suffered yet another tragedy last Friday when Hurricane Tomas triggered rains and flooding that left at least 20 people dead. ... The disease, spread when infected faecal matter contaminates food or water, is treatable mainly by rehydrating the sick with safe water mixed essentially with salt, sugar and potassium.
" ... Antibiotics also are used sometimes. ... But decades of failing and often regressing infrastructure - wracked by political upheaval, unbalanced foreign trade, a 1990s embargo and natural disasters - have left millions of Haitians without access to clean water, sanitation or medical care. ... " (Source: Al Jazeera and agencies)
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