According to the World Health Organization, 14 people have died of cholera in Iraq in the past six weeks. More than 2,200 cases have been reported in Kirkuk since mid-August and cases of the disease have been confirmed in nine of Iraq's 18 provinces. Dr. Naeema al-Gasseer of WHO said the number of deaths from cholera is still very low at less than one percent - but the more indicative public health information is found by monitoring the pattern of the spread of disease and the number of new cases.
In Kirkuk that number is increasing by as much as 100 a day and it can no longer be denied that the disease has reached Baghdad with the recent confirmed death of a 40-year-old woman there. The provinces of Basra, Dahuk, Wasit and Diyala are reporting an increasing number of cases and the Health Ministry reports a total of 3,315 confirmed cases countrywide.
The Khaleej Times of Dubai, UAE reports:
"Iraq's cholera outbreak should not really have taken authorities by surprise. With the overburdened hospitals, the near total power and water supply breakdown, and the massive homelessness, just such a scenario was, if anything, staring the administration square between the eyes for some time now."
Although an outbreak of the disease was expected, the sharp increase in cases coupled with the confirmed spread to Wasit in central Iraq is cause for growing concern.
Presently, WHO is attempting to get 5,000,000 chlorine pills for water purification into the country and has dispatched two epidemiologists to assist Iraq's Health Ministry. Although the Organization has not restricted travel, neighboring countries have been advised to "reinforce surveillance and prevention systems."
Just yesterday Iraqi Health Official Adel Mohsen told the Iraq Council of Representatives that a shipment of chlorine pills and crystals necessary for water decontamination was rejected at the border by security officials. According to Mohsen, the shipment is being held at the Iraqi/Syrian border by ministries of defense, interior and security. Mohsen says more than 150 million chlorine pills will be needed by the end of the year.
Cross posted at dailykos
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15,000 people showing symptoms of Cholera. 11hundred confirmed cases and suspected outbreaks beyond Kirkit. All as of September 17. Also IRIN has been reporting conditions conducive to Cholera in Iraq for more than two years.
Right now mad-dog Henry Waxman is doing a complete investigation of the money trail and where it leads.
Incidentally, the number of people experiencing symptoms is something like 16,000. Let's hope that the infected doesn't reach anywhere near that number.
Thank you, Diana
The people can't control the fighting or the results of the civil strife, and this is what they get.
However, WHO needs to get those chlorine pills there. If they can't then this will continue.
Such a heart felt interview. About her getting Aides from her mother, but with Med's she has not passed it on to her daughter, Education, treatable. Really great interview.
wrote it to express to kids her age or younger or older that they can make a difference.
Blessing of peace-love-faith-happiness
God Bless
10*
I saw a few minutes of Miss Bush on a morning "news" program. She didn't seem even half as eloquent as my own daughter who spent time with many AIDS-afflicted children in Africa a couple of years ago. (Even her photos were better!!) Of course, I am biased - however, it seems like Miss Bush is making some rather strategic moves at the moment. But, I'm sure she plans on someday teaching via contract (not an internship) at an inner city school while concurrently working on the global AIDS crisis.
Never mind that silly rock she's sporting! Surely there's more to her than that.
Thanks for the update!
Thanks, Diana, for your most excellent work!!!
The millions of dollars to the Iraqi gov. go to the pockets of the officials.
They do not care for the Iraqi people because their families are not in Iraq.
Doctors say that the water that Iraqi people drink is not good even for animals!!!
The ministry of health in Iraq is controlled by the Sadr militias who are ignorant people.
they killed doctors who do not follow their orders
Still another report today showing that Iraqis have less power and less fuel than they did under Saddam.
Damn George Bush. Ignorant bully and dim-witted fraud.
I just wanted to say I am finally going through what is now under 5,600 pieces of gather new mail that is in my inbox on here. So with that in mind I have finally come to a piece of mail that was addressed to me in regards this article submission you have created to share with the gather community. Thank you for taking the time and sharing your piece with us here at gather. :o)
And I hope you have a Happy New Year... in 2009 :o)