Although infectious diseases are a frightening prospect, widespread outbreaks of infectious disease after hurricanes are not common in the US. Rare and deadly exotic diseases, such as cholera or typhoid fever , do not suddenly break out after hurricanes and floods in areas where such diseases do not naturally occur.
Communicable disease outbreaks of diarrhea and respiratory illness can occur when water and sewage systems are not working and personal hygiene is hard to maintain as a result of a disaster.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/
US Department of Health and Human Services
http://www.hhs.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Communicable Disease Control Unit
http://www.gov.mb.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index_e.html/
References
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/.
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.