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Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Cholera: MSF Intervenes After Outbreaks Hit Four West African Nations

An article from Doctors Without Borders, excerpt :

" This summer, cholera outbreaks hit four neighboring countries in West Africa. Cholera is endemic in the region, but this wave brought with it far more cases than usual.

Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes severe watery diarrhea and vomiting. Though it can be fatal if it not addressed, treatment is relatively simple. The loss of fluids can be counteracted with a liquid rehydration therapy consisting of a salt-and-sugar solution or, in the worst cases, with intravenous infusions. The window for treatment is narrow, however. “Due to rapid dehydration, cholera can lead to death within hours,” explains Issiaka Abou, MSF’s head of mission for Chad. “It needs to be treated fast."

Read the whole article for details summary / activity of MSF.

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