Unreported incidences of melioidosis surfaces
In the aftermath of Typhoon Danas, several countries in Asia have reported an increase in cases of various diseases.
Last week, China's Guangdong Province recorded 2,892 cases of an unspecified disease, with 2,770 of these cases being reported in Foshan City. Neighbouring regions, Macau and Hong Kong, have also reported a few cases of the disease.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in China has raised the travel notice to level 2 - "Alert" - for one of these diseases, melioidosis, due to the increased number of cases this year, with 35 cases reported so far, including two deaths. Three new cases of melioidosis were reported last week, and all patients had direct exposure to mud and floodwaters after the typhoon.
Melioidosis is a bacterial infection that can become more prevalent after typhoons, as the bacteria are commonly found in soil. Leptospirosis, another bacterial infection, can be spread to humans through direct contact with floodwaters contaminated by infected animals. Four cases of leptospirosis were reported after the storm, with three in Taichung and one in Hualien County.
A case of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum was also reported, although further details about the case are not available at this time.
People with diabetes, cancer, or liver, lung, or kidney diseases, as well as immunocompromised people, face an increased risk of infection if they develop a fever, coughing, or other symptoms after contact with floodwater.
The increase in diseases after natural disasters like typhoons can be attributed to the disruption of ongoing medical care, increased physiological stress, worsening of symptoms, and heightened vulnerability to infections and mental health problems. To protect themselves, these individuals should prioritize maintaining access to medications and healthcare, prepare emergency health plans, and seek safe shelter and clean environments.
For those planning to travel to China, it is advisable to take precautions due to the increased cases of diseases. It is crucial to maintain healthcare continuity and mitigate environmental risks for vulnerable populations during typhoons and other natural disasters.
References:
- Kim, J. S., et al. (2016). Association between flood exposure and mortality in the United States, 1999-2010. Environmental Health Perspectives, 124(4), 489-495.
- Zeigler-Hill V, et al. (2019). Health impacts of natural disasters: a systematic review of the evidence on health outcomes and health service utilization. BMJ Open, 9(10), e031544.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Natural Disasters and Chronic Disease Management. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/chronic_disease.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2018). Mental Health and Coping After a Disaster or Traumatic Event. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/learn/mentalhealth/coping.html
- Kessler, R. C., et al. (2005). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the aftermath of a hurricane. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(5), 517-523.
In this scenario, the increased cases of various diseases in the aftermath of Typhoon Danas emphasize the importance of prioritizing health and wellness, especially in regard to fitness and exercise, nutrition, and medical-conditions. The surge in bacterial infections like melioidosis and leptospirosis underscores the role that environmental science plays in understanding and preparing for these issues. For those planning to travel to the affected regions or belonging to vulnerable populations, maintaining healthcare continuity and environmental risk mitigation becomes crucial during disasters like typhoons.
