Infectious diseases following major disasters

Infectious diseases following natural disasters: prevention and control measures

“…The documented disaster events and following disease outbreaks occurred over a period of 12 years (2000-2011). The following classification describes three clinical phases of natural disasters which summarize the chronological public health effects on injured people and survivors in light of infectious diseases consideration [5]. Phase 1, the impact phase (lasting 0-4 days), is the period usually when victims are extricated and initial treatment of disaster-related injuries are provided.…”

Infectious diseases in the aftermath of monsoon flooding in Pakistan

“…This occurs due to the disruption of purification and sewage disposal systems. However, secondary effects of flooding, including crowding and subsequent fecal-oral spread of gastrointestinal pathogens, may also contribute to the spread of diarrheal diseases [6,7] . During the July, 2004 floods in Bangladesh, outbreaks of diarrheal diseases occurred throughout Dhaka, with more than 17 000 patients seen at a single centre [8] .…”

“…However, as the floods recede, stagnant pools of water left behind serve as a perfect breeding ground for malaria-causing mosquitoes. In most cases, the lag time is usually around [6][7][8] weeks before the onset of a malaria epidemic [7] .…”

“…Increases in the incidence of hepatitis A have been noted in association with natural disasters and attributed to disruptions in water and sanitation facilities. Overcrowding may also contribute [6] . Shears et al noted a marked increase in the number of hepatitis A cases after the Khartoum floods in 1988 [36] .…”

“…Despite extensive relief and rescue operations, the death toll is expected to rise as thousands of people are still cut off from the rest of the country. The army has predicted that rebuilding the infrastructure and providing the people with basic necessities will take up to 6 months [4] . During this time, it is anticipated that a significant percentage of those affected will remain in relief camps across the country.…”