Here comes Mr.Harrington with his devious baneful propaganda.

I'm interested in knowing what "under control" actually means. Are there sufficient antibiotic stocks in all provinces? Have the sources of those infections been found.....the contaminated water or food?

Haitians forget easily...However, I suppose the DR has enough reasons now to convince the Haitians in pursuing the UN (in case their Nepalese soldiers are really responsible for the virus in Haiti).

NegroDeLaBachata,

That's a very good question you brought up.

Thanks to Leonel for closing the border on time, Now the numbers are increasing instead of decrease. Leonel is a Looser.

ElSuavecito,

I only hope that we continue to have good news as it relates to this epidemic of Cholera. However, given the numerous areas of concern in the DR, we have to be very concerned about the endemic nature of this epidemic. Again, I don't want to fan the winds of unfounded information. But the widespread concern among many scientist is that this epidemic will be long lasting on the island. They talk of years, not months! in estimating the duration of concern. IF WE can trust the official communications, something we all should take with a heavy grain of salt, given that this epidemic steps on the toes of numerous interests, and given that it is widely believed that the epidemic has claimed from 2 to 4 times the numbers given by official sites in Haiti, we aught be cautious in our current state. Vigilance and sustained efforts at eradicating areas of potential infestation are keys in maintaining this epidemic at bay with its devastating consequences for our DR.

My point is cholera doesn't have to be an epidemic in the RD if the government is proactive. Antibiotics and other medical supplies is needed to treat the infected. But leaning forward and heading cholera off before it's a huge problem is what needs to be done. Identifying sources of infection is a good start. Educating the public on how cholera is spread would be great. Think a national campaign directed at kids regarding the importance of washing hands after using the restroom....things along those lines. Teaching the people about the benefit of boiling water or only getting their bottled water from trusted sources. Attending to communities without quality water sources is another smart move. The RD doesn't have to be Haiti Part 2 with regard to cholera.

There is no control in the DR only a lot of nervousnos, as long as the government does nothing about the breeding grounds for this disease then the possibility will remain that cholera will increase.

Atabey,

With all due respect, I hope no one is confusing my engagement with Mr. Harrington with the reality I understand, and have to live with each day of my life. I'm just as concerned as everyone else.

P.S. My thoughts have gone over just about every scenario you have illustrated.

The United Nations needs to step up to the plate by providing vaccines for both sides of the island, and it should not be negotiable, because in many ways they should be held accountable for this unfortunate situation.

I think there will be pockets of cholera for a long time. Plenty of people living in unsanitary conditions and if there water or food supply gets infected the disease will spread. The problem is the vast pockets of poverty which make for a fertile hiding place for the disease to infect people , hide, and be spread from area to area. Look at what we have now in the DR are pockets of infections far away from each other.

But then again, should we trust the United Nations?

Why in hell did we have to share this beautifull island with HAITI. Haiti is way more negative to DR as a neighbor than is positive as a partner, they are a cancer to us.

Written by: NegroDeLaBachata, 6 Dec 2010 1:18 PM
From: Germany, Stuttgart
My point is cholera doesn't have to be an epidemic in the RD if the government is proactive. Antibiotics and other medical supplies is needed to treat the infected. But leaning forward and heading cholera off before it's a huge problem is what needs to be done. Identifying sources of infection is a good start. Educating the public on how cholera is spread would be great. Think a national campaign directed at kids regarding the importance of washing hands after using the restroom....things along those lines. Teaching the people about the benefit of boiling water or only getting their bottled water from trusted sources. Attending to communities without quality water sources is another smart move. The RD doesn't have to be Haiti Part 2 with regard to cholera.



Well said!

I largely agree. But the science points to its spread. And this is largely because of the border controls and fundamentally the layout of the land on the island. While there are two nations, there is but one landmass. And epidemics seldom stop to consider Man-made artificially separations. So if this epidemic becomes endemic in Haiti its spread eastward is almost 100% assured. Several scientist have stated categorically that Haiti will suffer from Cholera for Years to come. Not months. Now as to the consequences for DR, well our better organized, healthier population, greater resource base society will note far fewer cases than Haiti. We enjoy far better potable water availability and cleaner environments. All these factors are positives for the DR. But we have areas of worry and as you state, NegrodelaBachata, the DR needs to keep the due diligence going for years. The silver lining in all this is that DR has no choice but to attend to previously low priority areas.

There is no reason to worry about those diseases whose existence has long been forgotten in the countries where the culture of the above. Citizens of theDominican Republic and Haiti are accustomed to eat every disgusting, do not wash their hands and not abide by other rules of personal hygiene. For normal people, the epidemic will not create problems. What I am writing to Russian citizens who are receiving false information from people who do not even know where the Dominican Republic. http://dominicantoday.info/

I was just in a bario in La Romana....life goes on as always...nobody knows the diference between right and wrong....this is gong to be a probelm....yellow shirts to the masses!

LAck of education may get the vote...but also loose the country.

@'Atabey

Can you please explain to me why out of 20 cases 18 are Dominican 2 are Haitian. I would have assumed it's the other way around. Consider how this out break originated in the Artibonite river Which both sides shares is it fair to assume your side of the river may be contaminated also?

Pat, those are the 20 OFFICIAL cases recognized by the government. A few more (perhaps many more) cases just are not being recognized for political purposes. Stats are always manipulated, just like the USA has done.