The cholera epidemic of 1991 in Latin America and its social, economic and political implications : a senior thesis for the combined majors in Latin American studies and sociology

This thesis explores the 1991 cholera epidemic in Latin America, draws lessons from past epidemics, and places it within historical, social, political and economic perspectives. The history of cholera during its seven pandemics, its path prior to reaching Latin America, and the spread of the epidemic of 1991 in Latin America are described. This is followed by an account of the preventive and controlling measures taken by governments against cholera and the economic and political consequences of these measures. The Latin American epidemic is then explained by addressing the social realities of poverty and inequality, the economic realities of crisis and underdevelopment, and the political realties of neglect and corruption. The thesis concludes by mentioning the positive effect the cholera epidemic has had in terms of powerful health education and community mobilization campaigns which have consequently been launched in Latin America.