Professor from Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. Dr. Funda Timurkaynak gave information about epidemic diseases that can be experienced in disaster areas after the earthquake and methods of protection from them.
Infectious diseases that occur in disaster areas, usually after major earthquakes, can lead to respect. Diseases that manifest themselves for various reasons can find a ground where they can spread rapidly depending on the negative conditions in disaster areas. For this reason, it is necessary to take various measures against infectious diseases that can carry important life risks.
Post-earthquake infections are often seen after the second week. Infections at risk of occurrence can be grouped in three different ways.
Stating that injuries increase the risk of infection, Prof. Dr. Funda Timurkaynak said, “Especially open soiled injuries accompanied by tissue loss can cause wound infections. Among these, a severe picture such as gas gangrene, which can result in loss of limb, can also be seen. Injuries that disrupt tissue integrity of this type also carry a risk for tetanus in individuals whose tetanus immunity has decreased over the years. If the injured adults have not been vaccinated in the last 10 years, it is important that the vaccine is given without delay.
The crowded living environment in the tent cities established due to the earthquake paves the way for the upper respiratory tract infection epidemic of viral factors such as COVID19, RSV and influenza, which is still intensely seen due to the winter season. The weakening of body resistance also increases the risk of getting diseases and transmission. For this reason, it is important for earthquake victims to pay attention to the use of masks, social distance and hand washing if possible, and to ventilate crowded tents frequently. used the phrase.
Saying "Precautions should be taken for damaged sewer systems", Prof. from the Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology of Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital. Dr. Funda Timurkaynak said:
“In an earthquake, the urine of wild and domestic animals contaminating water or food can lead to an infection caused by the bacterium called 'leptospira', which is called 'leptospirosis'. Illness; Although it starts with fever, chills, myalgia, headache, vomiting and diarrhea and gets better for a short time, the symptoms may start again and turn into a picture with liver, kidney dysfunction and meningitis. The use of closed bottled water, boiling or chlorinated water is important in preventing contamination.
Precautions should be taken for damaged sewer systems
Diarrhea diseases such as typhoid, dysentery and cholera can be seen as a result of damage to the sewage systems after the earthquake and the mixing of feces into the drinking water. Infectious diseases that can be transmitted from the bodies of those who lost their lives during the earthquake are limited. Cholera is one of these infections. Types of jaundice transmitted by fecal-oral route (due to hepatitis A and hepatitis E virus) and parasitic infections may occur. To prevent such diseases, toilets should be used in a healthy way.
Water should be used by chlorinating
It is important that water consumption is used in closed bottles, boiled or chlorinated. The recommendation of the World Health Organization for chlorinating water is to add 1 teaspoon of 1% odorless bleach to 4 liter of water and wait for 30 minutes, then use the water. Washing vegetables and fruits with chlorinated water and disinfecting hands are also very important for food safety.”