Haiti Relief Work: Threat Of Diseases As Aid Is Hampered

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Haiti Earthquake 2010 | Photo 02

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Haiti earthquake relief work is ongoing, but Haitians are now faced with a threat of diseases as aid supplies are hampered by the country's aged infrastructure. Dead bodies are still lying unattended in Haiti's streets as morgues are over-capacity. The lack of electricity, food supplies and clean drinking water are further contributing to the unsanitary conditions. During the earthquake, many people suffered head trauma, lacerations and other open-wound injuries, which are especially prone to germ contamination if not properly taken care of. Doctors Without Borders has reported that many hospitals in Port-au-Prince have either collapsed or been abandoned.

The kinds of diseases threatening the already shaken population of Haiti are mostly bacterial, as most of the victims are staying in conditions far from hygienic. The scarce food and water consumed are not properly stored or filtered in most cases. Warm temperatures and interrupted sewage disposal in Haiti also make it easier for germs to multiply. The lack of tents and mosquito nets are contributing to the spread of insect-borne infections.

The diseases that can go rampant in these conditions include:

• Malaria - mosquito-borne; treatable with antimalarial drugs, symptoms include fever, chills and sweats; high mortality rate if untreated.
• Dengue fever - mosquito-borne; symptoms include headaches, muscle pains, fever and rash; supportive therapy required with increased oral fluid intake.
• Diphtheria - bacterial; causes fever, nausea and problem swallowing, treatable with antibiotics; if left unmanaged, causes toxin damage to heart and kidneys.
• Cholera - bacterial; causes severe diarrhea and drop in blood pressure; requires oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics.
• Measles - viral; spread by aerosols; affects mostly children; can cause high fever, conjuctivitis and severe rash; requires rest and supportive treatment.
• Dysentery, Meningitis and Diarrhea - these consequences of the common infections are very deadly especially in children; dysentery causes inflammation of the intestines, meningitis - inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and diarrhea can causes severe dehydration.

Most of these diseases can be managed with simple antibiotics, antiseptics, and sanitizing equipment. However, getting these basic medical supplies into Haiti is a huge challenge due to the logistical problems with transportation and communications. Many experts are now concerned that a public health disaster is imminent in Haiti if aid continues to be hampered.