Batıgöz Health Group Balçova Surgical Medical Center, Internal Diseases (Internal Medicine) Specialist
exp. Dr. Füsun Topçugil informed about the threat of epidemics in natural disasters.
After major natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, floods or forest fires, there are many risks to human life and health, such as injuries, trauma, thirst and hunger. In these cases, another danger may lurk in crowded housing areas where access to water is limited: epidemics.
Natural disasters can also prevent taking measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Hygiene, sanitation and vaccination are also deteriorated by the impact of natural disasters. Sanitation is the whole of the work done in order to protect, improve and regain health. With sanitation studies, it is aimed to make all conditions in accordance with public health standards.
In addition, the fact that people whose immune systems are weakened due to the regional conditions affected by the disaster are housed in groups in limited areas with insufficient water and hygiene facilities paves the way for the spread of infectious diseases.
Some of the most common and deadly epidemics that can occur after natural disasters include:
Gastrointestinal disorders: Diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever and dysentery, which can spread through unclean food and water sources and cause dehydration and death in advanced stages, can be counted in this group.
Respiratory tract diseases: Diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis, which can spread easily through close contact in crowded areas and especially affect vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, are in this category.
Vector-borne diseases: Malaria, rabies, leptospirosis are diseases spread by living organisms such as various viruses that can be spread through infected mosquitoes, other insects, or mice.
Skin diseases: Diseases such as scabies and fungal infections, which can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, contaminated objects, and poor hygiene practices, are among the diseases that can spread in natural disasters.
The measures that can be taken to prevent and control the spread of epidemics after a natural disaster can be listed as follows:
- A rapid assessment of patients, treatment and surveillance to prevent further transmission.
- Ensuring safe and adequate water access, including handwashing stations, mobile toilets, shower areas, waste management systems.
- Promote personal and community hygiene practices such as hand washing, safe food preparation and waste management.
- It is important that the burials of the people who lost their lives during the disaster are carried out as soon as possible and the environment is disinfected)
- Ensuring vaccination (tetanus should be administered urgently to all casualties.)
Natural disasters can cause massive physical and emotional damage. In order to prevent the increase of these damages, it is possible to reduce the effect of epidemic diseases and prevent their spread by taking the necessary precautions.
Source: (BYZHA) – Beyaz News Agency
