"Blackwater" Disease

[kpete]

FALLUJAH, Mar 26 (IPS) - Iraqi doctors in al-Anbar province warn of a new disease they call "Blackwater" that threatens the lives of thousands. The disease is named after Blackwater Worldwide, the U.S. mercenary company operating in Iraq.

"This disease is a severe form of malarial infection caused by the parasite plasmodium falciparum, which is considered the worst type of malarial infection," Dr. Ali Hakki from Fallujah told IPS. "It is one of the complications of that infection, and not the ordinary picture of the disease. Because of its frequent and severe complications, such as Blackwater fever, and its resistance to treatment, P. falciparum can cause death within 24 hours."

What Iraqis now call Blackwater fever is really a well-known medical condition, and while it has nothing to do with Blackwater Worldwide, Iraqis in al-Anbar province have decided to make the connection between the disease and the lethal U.S.-based company which has been responsible for the death of countless Iraqis.

http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41743

[mod mom]

1. Wasn't it KBR that was responsible for the tainted water? As much as I hate Blackwater,

they should give "credit" where it is due.

[FirstLight]

2. You know, that is a really good point...

If they are the ones that provided the tainted water and started the disease, then isn't that just another notch in the genocide argument? and what about our troops? are they just "collateral damage" ?

not cool at all...SO awful....