Attention to epidemic diseases that will increase after the earthquake!

SAFAKNA TURKEY – The earthquake we are experiencing requires us to deal with this scourge in all its aspects and organize in the shortest possible time. Experts say that we will inevitably face epidemics caused by viruses and bacteria if hygiene declines immediately after natural disasters, access to clean water sources is difficult and soap is not used. At this point, anticipation of ways to prevent epidemics and methods of dealing with epidemics is of great importance.

KOLERA CONCERN

It is noted that the most important disease to be encountered among epidemics after natural disasters is “cholera”, and it is stated that deaths due to diarrhea, vomiting and fluid loss can be observed in cholera epidemics, especially in children. It is noted that the epidemic, which has been observed since September in our neighbor in northern Syria, affected by the earthquake, especially affects children. Faculty of Medicine, Yalova University Founding Dean and Provost – Lecturer in Pediatric Health and Diseases Prof. Dr. Vefik Aryca said: “Necessary measures to combat cholera should be taken during natural disasters, when hygiene rules are not respected and access to clean water is difficult. Other infections expected after a disaster; typhoid, paratyphoid and dysentery. This happens especially in areas where hygiene standards are low and clean water is not available, he continues. viruses that have been widely observed in our country, and bacterial streptococcus. It is considered natural that the number of bacteria A (5 viruses 1 pandemic of bacteria) increases during epidemics after natural disasters. This growth is observed in places where, after a disaster, there is less access to community centers, catering, hygiene and clean water. These problems can be easily solved if the necessary precautions are taken.

RISK OF TOXIC DIARRHEAS

There has been an increase in cases of diarrhea, especially after a natural disaster. This increase mainly occurs in cases such as “rotavirus diarrhea”, “adenoviral diarrhea”, “dysentery diarrhea”, called “toxic diarrhea”. Washing hands with plenty of soap and water is said to be the main method of protection. prof. Dr. Vefik Arica says that after a natural disaster, cases of lice and scabies infestation can occur in all living beings, especially infants and children, and says: “Strengthening hygiene rules for this and identifying relevant cases will prevent cases from spreading to the environment. .”

Tetanus, rabies and measles vaccines

Pointing out that tetanus, rabies and measles vaccinations should not be neglected in Turkey in terms of epidemic risk after a natural disaster, Arica said: “We know that recently there has been an increase in measles cases in the northern regions of Turkey, especially among children. Syria, which is our neighbor, survived the earthquake. For this reason, the measles vaccine, which should be given at 12 months of age according to the usual procedure, can be given as a booster dose up to 9 months of age, or even up to 6 months of age during natural disasters, which may prevent measles outbreaks in children. In addition, since cases of tetanus, which can be transmitted through soil, cement and iron, can be fatal, volunteers or officials who are removed from the rubble and work with the rubble should be vaccinated if they have not been vaccinated against tetanus for the last time. 10 years.

BEWARE of rabies!

prof. Dr. Vefik Arica said that no rabies epidemic is expected at present and said: “Rabies is a rare disease that can lead to death, causing severe brain and nerve damage in the body in which it is transmitted. Being bitten by a carrier animal is the most common a form of transmission of rabies Animals that carry diseases, especially dogs Although it is transmitted from bats, foxes, raccoons, jackals, cats and mice, it is not transmitted from person to person or from a dead person Rabies is transmitted from animal to person through a bite or scratch.It is the saliva of the animal that causes the infection.The number of cases of rabies can increase if precautions are not taken, as animals that are starving after a natural disaster can eat everything alive and scatter it around.In addition to these 3 vaccinations, one should not neglect the vaccinations regularly recommended by the Ministry of Health for children and infants, and if they cannot be done on time, the vaccination should be going to do it by contacting the nearest medical facility. In such disasters, it is also very important to try to continue to breastfeed children, no matter what. Aryca also states that in this process, Ministry of Health officials and medical workers are working hard, taking the necessary precautions at the highest level.