Story highlights UN is "convinced that it needs to do much more regarding its own involvement," spokesman saysIt has always disputed claims that Nepalese peacekeepers brought cholera to Haiti after earthquake(CNN) For the first time, the United Nations has acknowledged its own involvement in a devastating cholera outbreak in Haiti in 2010 that killed at least 10,000 people. The UN has always disputed claims that Nepalese peacekeepers brought cholera to the island nine months after an earthquake struck Haiti, the first known appearance of the disease there in over 150 years. Cholera is an acute gastrointestinal illness caused by ingesting food or drink contaminated with Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Patients who are not treated quickly to restore lost fluids can die within hours. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , there are 3 million to 5 million cases of the illness every year worldwide and 100,000 deaths.

Source: CNN August 18, 2016 20:37 UTC