Infectious Disease Society warns of public health risks post-hurricane

As Hurricane Florence, a category 4 storm, bears down on the Carolinas, the Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) is warning about the potential for public health threats in the storm’s aftermath.

IDSA points out that with over 1 million people being evacuated from their homes, shelters will be filled with large numbers of people. This means that shelters could be a breeding ground for noroviruses and other infections.

IDSA reminds residents in this area that frequent hand-washing is essential. Further, people who require medications for ongoing treatments should make sure they have adequate supplies of medications.

Also, homes and buildings without electricity that are compromised by flooding serve as an environment that’s ripe for the consumption of unsafe food and water. That can lead to illnesses caused by pathogens such as E. coli. Thus, clean water is essential.

Additionally, while mosquito populations dwindle in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes and flooding, they will return. Standing water that remains for long periods of time may contribute to increased mosquito breeding. Combined with the fact that people typically spend more time outside on home repairs, or due to loss of housing, in the aftermath of storms means they are more vulnerable to mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus.

Further, as people return to damaged homes, mold-related illnesses, such as severe asthma, are at increased risk.

Avoiding contact with floodwater, if possible, is another appropriate precaution. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be spread through contaminated water. It may have been the cause of at least 17 deaths in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2017.

Preparation on an individual and community level must include an understanding of local resources for health services. Links to health services should be provided for people who are displaced from their homes.