Flooding and Communicable Disease
Floods can potentially increase the transmission of both water-borne and vector-borne diseases. Travelers and expatriates not being evacuated from Southeast Asia should be cautious of water-borne diseases, such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A; as well as vector-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue and dengue hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever, and West Nile Fever.
Risk Assessment and Preventable Measures
MedAire recommends that clients follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines as they relates to their personal health and safety in post-flooded regions.
Health Concerns for Tsunami Affected Regions
Local concerns focus on health and sanitation issues, including the availability of drinking water. Many victims are now having to deal with the onset of water-borne infections and bronchitis. Psychological implications cannot be overestimated. Stress is triggering additional problems.
- Skin and Lung Infections: For those victims who have received both minor and major injuries, be cautious the injury does not become infected. Lung infections are also a danger for people who have breathed in sea water.
- Drinking Water and Food Supply: Because of contamination, drink only bottled, freshly boiled or treated water. In areas where food storage, refrigeration and transportation systems may have been compromised, eat only select canned or other processed food that has not been damaged. Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eaten promptly after preparation.
Contact Information
If you are seeking information on friends or loved ones in the affected regions, these governments are providing contact numbers for assistance.
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