stockholmThe Stockholm-based European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) said that earthquake-hit areas of Turkey and Syria could see the emergence and spread of infectious diseases in the next two to four weeks.
“Food and water-borne diseases, respiratory infections and vaccine-preventable infections are a risk in the coming period, leading to outbreaks, especially among survivors living in temporary shelters,” Xinhua news agency quoted the health body as saying. going in.” a statement.
The ECDC said that “damaged utility infrastructure including water and electricity, limited access to clean water, inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities, improper refrigeration and cooking systems can increase the incidence and transmission of food and waterborne diseases”.
The agency predicted that there is a significant potential for a significant increase in cholera cases in the affected areas in the coming weeks. Other food and/or waterborne diseases, such as hepatitis A, norovirus and rotavirus, can also cause outbreaks in camps.
In addition, the agency said respiratory infections, such as Covid-19, seasonal influenza and other respiratory viruses, are “a particular concern” for the very young and the elderly, who are more vulnerable to complications.
It added, “overcrowding conditions in temporary settlements may increase the risk of transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, varicella, meningitis or poliomyelitis.”
“Injuries and open wounds sustained by rescuers exposed to debris put them at increased risk of tetanus,” it added.
The ECDC said that “the availability of clean water and control of food handling are among the top measures to avoid the spread of these diseases”.
Continuity of routine immunization must be ensured, and prior immunization gaps need to be addressed.
“Setting up a health surveillance system by public health workers will facilitate early warning and detection of outbreaks,” it said.
“International organizations are planning to deploy mobile laboratories in the affected areas, and they may also provide expert assistance to the two affected countries.”
A massive earthquake on 6 February killed 44,000 people in Turkey and Syria and left thousands homeless.