Cholera kills thousands in Nigeria
Cholera outbreak kills 1,555 people and led to 40,000 cases in Nigeria. The cases seem to be contained for the most part within Nigerian borders. Although, there have been cases reported in neighboring country Cameroon.
This year the outbreak has even larger proportions than in the past. It is being reported as the worst Cholera outbreak in years. The number of cases is three times higher than last year and seven times higher than 2008 according to the United Nations Children’s Fund. Women and children account for every four out five cases according to the agency.
Cholera is a disease that is caused by a bacterial infection. The infection most commonly travels via water supply or contaminated food. Symptoms of Cholera: diarrhea, dehydration, and eventually shock. This is a potentially fatal disease that if left untreated can result in death within only a few hours.
According to the World Health Organization-WHO, this disease claims the lives of nearly 120,000 people a year.
Cnn.com reports that two-thirds of rural Nigerians lack access to safe drinking water.
MY OPINION: This is all very shocking to me. I feel like I must be stuck in my suburban American bubble. The last time I ever heard of Cholera was in my history class in the textbooks. I did not think that this disease existed in modern times and a step further, at such large proportions to claim so many lives. My coming across this story just further proves how daily life in America can leave me so stuck in my own problems that I forget how lucky I am. These people in rural areas barely have access to safe and clean drinking water. Meanwhile, here at home I complain when I am forced to drink out of the tap instead of bottled water.
The last major outbreak of Cholera in the United States occurred in 1911. Yet, in 2010 in other parts of the world Cholera still causes the death of 120,000 people a year. These numbers just do not add up to me.
Now this is the part where I wanted to say: If you are interested in what you just read and want to know what you can do visit (following website).
Unfortunately after searching the web I could not find a site to support the cause of helping Cholera victims in Nigeria. Save The Children, Mercy Corp, etc. -none of which have any mention of Nigeria. Perhaps because by many standards Nigeria is not considered a developing nation. Regardless, I will keep my eyes open for a way to help.
-Live with your eyes open, S.
