1c- natural hazards influence disease outbreak and spread (Haiti) Flashcards
how did environmental factors help spread cholera after the EQ
In January 2010 there was an EQ after this cholera became present in the country due to UN peacekeepers bringing it from Nepal and it spread from a camp they set up for relief efforts. The cholera was made worse by hurricane Thomas in November which caused rapid flooding, and overflowing toilets which helped spread the infected water.
Another hurricane in 2012 caused a resurgence of cholera
how did human factors help the spread of cholera after the EQ
The UN camp discharged its waste into the Meille river which was a primary water source for thousands of people.
The lack of sanitation options meant water was consumed without proper treatment.
Lack of healthcare and infrastructure (EQ) due to the level of development in the country made it hard to deal with the disease and they didn’t have the money for testing for dealing with it.
Poverty meant that only 17% of Haiti had access to toilets which aided the spread of cholera.
impacts of cholera on the people
Diarrheal illness, 7000 deaths by end of November- became a matter of national security.
By 2014, 2300 people being hospitalised a week for cholera
spread to Dominican republic
international strategies to minimise impacts (effectiveness)
UN- medical relief groups saved lives and slowed the spread.
Cholera treatment centres were set up to help hospitals but they were overrun with patients
training in cholera treatment in clinics and hospitals and a health awareness campaign meant that personal hygiene was promoted
widespread access to clean water is needed but this is a slow process
national strategies to minimise impacts
British red cross
delivered clean drinking water to 300,000 people in camps in Port-au-Prince
hygiene programme building 1300 latrines for 250,000 people
provided medical supplies to the main hospital in Saint-Marc
raised awareness with locals about sanitation
treated 18,700 cases of cholera in treatment units in the camps in Port-au-Prince
