Cholera Epidemic Spurs Riots in Haiti
Although the government and aid agencies have worked hard to prevent it, a cholera outbreak has swept through refugee camps in Port-au-Prince Haiti, the nation’s earthquake ravaged capital, and caused rioting in many cities.
‘The Associated Press’ reports that “The protests apparently began in Cap-Haitien…and within hours had paralyzed much of the northern port city. Local reporters said a police station was burned…and rocks thrown at peacekeeping bases.”
Amid the deadly fights and crowded altercations, deadly gunfire erupted between the local citizens and the United Nation officials, which killed two people and injured eighteen more. The rioters believe that the epidemic is the fault of the UN.
The President of Haiti, Rene Preval warned rioters that “gunshots, throwing bottles, barricades of burning tires will not help us eradicate cholera bacteria. On the contrary, it will prevent the sick from receiving care and to deliver medicine where it is needed,” according to ‘BBC’ news.
The acute intestinal infection has killed over one thousand people in the nation, and infected over seventeen thousand, Symptoms range from severe vomiting to dehydration and diarrhea. After the earthquake which caused serious devastation to Haiti in January, over a million people are still living in refugee camps, and living in conditions which make for perfect breeding grounds fir these type of illnesses. Many of them are drinking from cholera infested rivers because there is no water.source (THAINDIAN NEWS)
Cholera Epidemic - Spurs Riots in Haiti
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mroly
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