Definition of Disaster y an occurrence of a severity and magnitude that normally results in death, injuries and property damage that

cannot be managed through the routine procedure and resources of government (W.H.O). an occurrence either nature or manmade that causes human suffering and creates human needs that victims cannot alleviate without assistance (FEMA)

List of Diseases Common in Disaster The relationship between natural disasters and communicable diseases is frequently misconstrued. The risk for outbreaks is often presumed to be very high in the chaos that follows natural disasters, a fear likely derived from a perceived association between dead bodies and epidemics. However, the risk factors for outbreaks after disasters are associated primarily with population displacement (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov). y Water-related Communicable Diseases 1. Diarrheal Disease - can occur after drinking water has been contaminated and have been reported after flooding and related displacement. - an abnormal increase in the frequency, volume or liquidity of your stools. The condition usually lasts a few hours to a couple of days. - Common etiologic organism: Vibrio cholera, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteric, Cryptosporidium parvum - Signs & symptoms: Frequent loose, watery stools, Abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, Fever, Lightheadedness or dizziness from dehydration, vomiting, blood and mucus in the stools may appear - Treatment: 1. Drinking replacement fluids and electrolyte mixtures 2. Adequate levels of minerals such as sodium, magnesium, calcium and especially potassium 3. Antibiotics 2. Hepatitis A & E. - transmitted by the fecal-oral route, in association with lack of access to safe water and sanitation. - Common etiologic organism: rubella virus, varicella virus, retrovirus, yellow fever virus, adenovirus & Marburg virus. - Signs & Symptoms: jaundice, lethargy, irritability, myalgia, arthralgia, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain,diarrhea & constipation.

Treatment: 1. Bed rest 2. High calorie, low-fat, high carbohydrate diet, small frequent meals & high calorie snacks 3. Antiemetics, parenteral vit. K, & antihistamines 4. Maintaning good personal hygiene 5. Vaccines 3. Leptospirosis - an epidemic-prone zoonotic bacterial disease that can be transmitted by direct contact with contaminated water. Rodents shed large amounts of leptospires in their urine, and transmission occurs through contact of the skin and mucous membranes with water, damp soil or vegetation (such as sugar cane), or mud contaminated with rodent urine. - Common etiologic organism: Leptospira interrogans - Signs & symptoms: High fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, Jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea & rash - Treatment: 1. Treated with antibiotics e.g. doxycycline or penicillin 2. Avoid swimming or wading in contaminated water 3. Protective clothing or footwear 4. Have pets vaccinated

Diseases associated with crowding 1. Measles - is an infection caused by a virus (paramoxyviridae), which causes an illness displaying a characteristic skin rash known as an exanthem. Measles is also sometimes called rubeola, five-day measles, or hard measles. - signs & symptoms: Blotchy rash, fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), malaise, tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Kopliks spots) - Treatment: 1. To prevent measles, children (and some adults) should be vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 2. Acute respiratory infections

Vectorborne Diseases 1. Malaria - Malaria outbreaks in the wake of flooding are a well-known phenomenon.

- Etiologic organism: Plasmodium falciparum - Signs & symptoms: Fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, nausea and vomiting & diarrhea. - Treatment: 1. Chloroquine Phosphate Drugs (Aralen) 2. Avoid going to areas with dengue and malaria risk 3. Cover containers with stagnant water

2. Dengue - is caused by any one of four distinct but closely related dengue virus (DENV) serotypes (called DENV-1, -2, -3, and -4). - Dengue viruses are arboviruses (arthropod-borne virus) that are transmitted primarily to humans through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. - Signs & symptoms: High fever and at least 2 of the following: -Severe headache, severe eye pain, joint pain, muscle/ bone pain, rash, mild bleeding (nose/gum bleed), low white cell count - Treatment: (no specific treatment) 1. Acetaminophen for pain (avoid aspirin containing drugs) 2. Drink plenty of fluid 3. Avoid going to areas with dengue risks 4. Cover containers with stagnant water

Others: 1. Tetanus - a potentially deadly infection of the nervous system caused by bacteria known as Clostridium tetani (C. tetani). - Contaminated wounds, particularly in populations where vaccination coverage levels are low, are associated with illness and death from tetanus - Signs & symptoms: (symptoms begin between 7 & 21 days after exposure to bacteria) Lockjaw, spasms in the following: back, chest, neck & abdomen, muscle tears and bone fractures, muscle spasms in feet and hands. - Treatment: 1. Antibiotic may be prescribed 2. Antedotal treatment with tetanus immune globulin to remove the toxin 3. Muscle relaxant medications 4. Tetanus toxoid vaccination