Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink

The devastation caused by the flooding in Pakistan has left millions of victims without access to clean drinking water, and with more refugees seeking shelter in existing camps, overcrowding and poor sanitation threaten to increase morbidity and mortality.  Of those at risk, the threat is especially high for infants and the elderly. 

Diseases such as cholera are transmitted when there is lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation systems.  Cholera is caused by a bacteria that attaches itself to the lining inside the intestine and secretes a toxin that destroys the lining.  This prevents the absorption of water and nutrients, and leads to severe watery diarrhea, for which the treatment is usually oral rehydration therapy and to let the disease run its course.  However, with overcrowding and lack of sanitation systems, the disease can spread to those caring for the sick, and community-wide when the waste is improperly disposed of.  The best case scenario for any illness is prevention, which is a difficult task given the severity of conditions that the people of Pakistan, and the aid workers, are facing.

To see photos of the devastation, click here for a link to Oxfam's photo gallery.