Haitians Blame UN for Cholera Outbreak: The Blame Game

Is the UN to blame for the cholera outbreak in Haiti? 

In any part of the world where there is an epidemic of any kind, it is human nature to play the blame game. In other words, someone, somewhere or something, is accorded the blame. That can even include an organization like the UN. One might wonder if it is justified in this particular scenario.

In seeking to resolve this issue, it is important to understand the nature of cholera. Cholera is a disease that is spread by the vibrio cholerae bacterium. 

No one would intentionally seek to spread a disease like cholera, because it can be fatal to human beings within hours. Note that because Haiti has recently been ravaged by both an earthquake and a hurricane in the past year, the people living in Haiti are particularly vulnerable to cholera.

Natural disasters invariably lead to upheaval in any country. There is poverty, as many people are displaced from their homes. There can be crowded living conditions with poor sanitation. There may be a lack of water that has been treated properly in order to prevent the spread of a disease like cholera. Raw sewage can cause serious health problems.

While the majority of people in contact with the vibrio cholerae bacterium do not necessarily become ill with cholera, they can still be carriers of the disease. What this means is that unknowingly, people can and do carry the disease from one place to another without being ill or demonstrating any symptoms of the disease. This also means that anyone coming and going from Haiti, at any time, may have been exposed to the disease, but be unaware of it.

The problem surfaces as an epidemic, when suddenly, huge numbers of people demonstrate the symptoms of severe dehydration, as the result of vomiting and diarrhea.

The electrolyte balance in the human body is disrupted and if not restored immediately, death is possible, particularly for those who are malnourished, have compromised immune systems and type O blood. People lacking sufficient stomach acid are vulnerable, as are those living in the same accommodations with someone else who has already contracted the disease.

Severe dehydration with the loss of large amounts of body fluids, as well as sodium chloride and potassium, unless treated immediately, can be fatal to children and elderly people. Death can result in hours or in a less severe situation, within several days.

The question becomes one of how quickly aid is received, by those living in an area that has been affected by cholera. 

Remember that for a period of one to two weeks, anyone who is in contact with the cholera bacteria can spread the disease unknowingly. Once the disease has been spread, it can and will run rampant.

While it is easy to play the blame game and point a finger at the UN, what really needs to be addressed is the nature of the disease itself, how it is spread and how it can be prevented. Treatment becomes part of the role of any caregiver involved with an epidemic like cholera.

Immediate re-hydration appears to be the essential treatment for cholera. Intravenous fluids, antibiotics and zinc are proving to be effective.

In terms of prevention, correct hand washing is critical. Proper sanitation and hygiene are needed, as well as water that has been properly treated. Cooking foods properly, including both fruits and vegetables, can be effective in terms of prevention. Avoiding sea foods, raw shellfish and sushi is important.

Note that the UN plays a major role all around the world, in terms of disaster relief. Unfortunately, there are not enough hands to help regardless of where an emergency situation occurs.

Caregivers are accorded the blame for not doing enough, no matter how much they do. Can they do more?

Everyone has some degree of responsibility with regard to natural disasters, including those in the immediate disaster areas.

Should anyone be blamed? Not necessarily, as blaming those who are trying to help may result in them withdrawing their assistance completely. Normally, that is not how caregivers respond. Those in a disaster area are encouraged to assist the caregivers, as best they can.