January 05 Newsletter

The large magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami on December 26 has devastated many countries with coastlines on the Indian Ocean. While body counts continue to rise, disease threatens the tsunami survivors. The conditions created by the tsunami have increased the likelihood of infectious and environmental disease outbreaks. The health of the populations affected by the tsunami is mainly threatened by devastated sanitation systems, contaminated drinking water, inadequate nutrition, and lack of medical care. As with any conditions leading to poor sanitation and contaminated drinking water sources, cholera, dysentery, and other diarrheal outbreaks are of concern. Dengue and malaria, endemic in all areas affected by the tsunami, are vector-borne diseases of concern to public health agencies. Monsoon-related rains in Indonesia will only contribute to the numerous mosquito-breeding sites which the tsunami created.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is playing an important role in helping tsunami survivors. Current reports from the WHO indicate that no disease outbreaks have been detected to date, though Indonesia, the country hit hardest, has reported cases of measles and tetanus. WHO is currently investigating unconfirmed reports of cholera and other water-related diseases in the country. In India, WHO reports sporadic cases of chickenpox and typhoid, and aid workers have reportedly begun a mass vaccination campaign for measles. Reports of other infectious diseases have surfaced, and investigations by public health organizations are under way. Public health agencies, including WHO, expect outbreaks of the aforementioned diseases within the coming weeks.

In order to combat the disease threats, WHO is focusing its resources around the following five actions1:
* Disease surveillance and response
* Establishment of access to essential healthcare
* Providing guidance on critical public health issues
* Ensuring medical supply chains are functioning
* Coordinating health agencies at local, national, and international levels

Public health agencies should be commended for their relief efforts, and their acknowledgment of health threats to these populations and the potential of infectious and environmental diseases which may affect the tsunami survivors. Public health organizations continue to monitor the situation. Surveillance, not only of the affected populations, but also of the aid workers will better prepare these agencies, and their efforts, to mitigate the effects of this catastrophe.

The Institute extends its condolences to those who lost their lives and all others affected by the tsunami.

The World Health Organization website can be accessed at http://www.who.int/hac/crises/international/asia_tsunami/scopeofwork/en/

Have a question or comment? Email bioterr@slu.edu