Tsunami Death Toll to Rise Due to Cholera
The Tsunami that has hit the coast of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and Africa has killed nearly 160,000 people. As if this tragedy has not been devastating enough, now Tsunami victims must worry about dying from cholera.
Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by infection of the intestine with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It produces an enterotoxin that causes a copious, watery diarrhea and vomiting that can quickly lead to dehydration and death if not treated promptly.
Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food. Sudden large outbreaks, such as those caused by a Tsunami disaster, are caused by a contaminated water supply. Cholera spreads rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
The World Health Organization worries that cholera could take as many lives as the initial tsunami disaster has taken. Although dead bodies cannot carry cholera, the feces expelled from the bodies at death can. Furthermore, many people have no means to hygienically dispose of their bodily waste. Therefore, the possibility of cholera polluting the drinking water increases dramatically.
In an effort to ward off disease from the tainted water, cargo planes delivered water purifiers. Although aid is pouring in to help the survivors, it is not arriving fast enough. Desperate people are stealing whatever food they can find, and may possibly be drinking cholera-infected water.
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Cholera is spread by contaminated water and food. Sudden large outbreaks, such as those caused by a Tsunami disaster, are caused by a contaminated water supply. Cholera spreads rapidly in areas with inadequate treatment of sewage and drinking water.
The World Health Organization worries that cholera could take as many lives as the initial tsunami disaster has taken. Although dead bodies cannot carry cholera, the feces expelled from the bodies at death can. Furthermore, many people have no means to hygienically dispose of their bodily waste. Therefore, the possibility of cholera polluting the drinking water increases dramatically.
In an effort to ward off disease from the tainted water, cargo planes delivered water purifiers. Although aid is pouring in to help the survivors, it is not arriving fast enough. Desperate people are stealing whatever food they can find, and may possibly be drinking cholera-infected water.
If you would like to receive my newsletter, click here.
Discussion:
Do you think the United States has given enough relief aid?
Express your thoughts below in the "What do you think?" section.
Recommended Readings:
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