{"id":239,"date":"2012-03-28T15:23:22","date_gmt":"2012-03-28T19:23:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/web.colby.edu\/contemporary-issues\/?page_id=239"},"modified":"2012-05-09T23:08:31","modified_gmt":"2012-05-10T03:08:31","slug":"cholera-in-haiti","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.colby.edu\/contemporary-issues\/cholera-in-haiti\/","title":{"rendered":"Cholera in Haiti"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Case Study: Cholera Outbreak in Haiti<\/h2>\n

This section focuses on the 2010 cholera outbreak in Haiti. \u00a0By comparing how both major news sources and ethnographic studies covered the cholera outbreak, we learn how these differing accounts influence how the disease is studied and understood. \u00a0This portion outlines how the cholera outbreak affected the Haitian community, while also examining this contemporary health issue as a result of wider structural problems of poverty, oppression, and corruption.<\/p>\n

What is Cholera?<\/h2>\n

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by ingesting food or water that is contaminated by the bacterium, Vibrio cholorae<\/a>.\u00a0 The major symptoms<\/a> of cholera are diarrhea and vomiting, which can lead to extreme dehydration.\u00a0 When the dehydration is not treated, a person can develop acute renal failure and\u00a0<\/span>severe electrolyte imbalances, and\/or enter a\u00a0c<\/span>oma.\u00a0 If the individual continues to be untreated, the severe dehydration can ultimately lead to death.<\/p>\n

Testing and Treatment<\/h2>\n

Cholera is tested through a culture of a stool specimen or a rectal swab. Less than 20% of people who have cholera develop typical cholera with signs of moderate or severe dehydration (WHO, 2012). \u00a0People who have\u00a0severe cases must be treated and evaluated quickly through a rehydration therapy.\u00a0 The rehydration therapy replenishes lost fluids and salts so that electrolyte levels are balanced.\u00a0 Antibiotics are administered in severe cases to reduce fluid requirements and duration of illness.<\/p>\n

Spread of Cholera<\/h2>\n

The first case of cholera was reported on October 16, 2010. \u00a0Haiti, whose infrastructure was destroyed by the devastating earthquake that struck in January 2010, had very little health or governmental resources available. \u00a0With deplorable living conditions and poor sanitation, Haiti had little strength to fight the cholera outbreak. \u00a0Housing camps were set up for internally displaced persons (IDP) who lost their homes and livelihoods in the earthquake. \u00a0These camps, which lacked adequate access to water and toilets, later became key brewing areas for cholera.<\/p>\n

Prime Conditions for Cholera in Haiti:<\/strong><\/p>\n