A cholera outbreak was reported in the Maxakali Indian Area,
located in the State of Minas Gerais, Southeast region of Brazil, as
more than 20 Indians have become infected with the disease. Four
deaths were registered, in a population of approximately 600. The
disease is probably being transmitted by the untreated water used by
the Maxakali. They live in what is regarded as one of the poorest
regions in the country, near the Jequitinhonha river valley, with
practically no infrastructure of any kind.
The disease made the non-Indian population become more hostile
toward the Maxakali. They are being accused of having brought the
disease to the region and have become afraid of going to the
neighboring villages, where they usually sell their handicraft and
agricultural products. Prejudice against them has grown; everywhere,
people are saying that the Indians were infected because "they are
dirty." However, the river water they use is the same one used by the
non-Indian population.
The first cases were registered among Indians who had travelled to
the State of Bahia, where they probably caught the disease. As a means
of survival, the Maxakali often travel to other regions to sell their
handicraft. The disease spread quickly among the Indians, because in
addition to using untrated water, all the community is suffering from
malnutrition.
In many parts, the traditional territory of the Maxakali has been
invaded by farmers, which divided the land in two. Because of this
situation, the Indians do not have enough land to ensure their
survival, and are living in permanent conflict with the invaders. In
March, the Maxakali took manioc and potatoes from a farm located in
their land. The Federal Police was notified and stayed in the region
for thirteen days, to avoid conflicts between Indians and farmers.
Health workers are facing difficulties to persuade some Maxakali
Indians to treat the water they use. These Indians do not believe that
by treating the water they can avoid the disease. On the other hand,
those who caught the disease and managed to get cured walk for many
miles to get treated water, as they want to avoid it at any cost.
Brasi'lia, June 3rd, 1993
CIMI - Indianist Missionary Council