Advice for Treating Infectious Diseases in Patients Affected by Hurricane Florence

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with federal, state, territorial, and local agencies in response to recent hurricanes. Clinicians assessing patients affected by Hurricane Florence should be vigilant in looking for certain infectious diseases, including leptospirosis, hepatitis A, vibriosis, and influenza. Background Hurricane Florence made landfall in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, on September 14 causing widespread flooding. Natural hazards associated with the storms continue to affect many areas. Infectious disease outbreaks of diarrheal and respiratory illnesses can occur when access to safe water and sewage systems are disrupted, personal hygiene is difficult to maintain, and when people are living in crowded conditions, such as shelters. Recommendations These recommendations apply to healthcare providers treating patients affected by Hurricane Florence Health care providers and public health practitioners in hurricane-affected areas should look for community and healthcare-associated infectious diseases.   All healthcare providers should consider infectious disease etiologies in patients presenting with evidence of acute respiratory illness, gastroenteritis, renal or hepatic failure, wound infection, or other febrile illness. Some particularly important infectious diseases to consider include more common diseases such as influenza, and less common, such as leptospirosis, hepatitis A, and vibriosis. ...
Source: JEMS: Journal of Emergency Medical Services News - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Patient Care News Source Type: news