Disease Outbreaks Loom in Tsunami-Hit Areas of South Asia

Strategic Insights -

Millions of people affected by the recent tsunami in South Asia are at risk of contracting communicable and water-borne diseases due to damaged water and sanitation systems, contaminated supplies, and overcrowded living conditions. Reports from the World Health Organization indicate that cases of acute respiratory infection, acute diarrhea, wound infections, food poisoning, pneumonia, malaria, dengue, and other diseases have been recorded in several affected countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported cases of various communicable and water-borne diseases in tsunami-hit areas of South Asia, including acute respiratory infection (ARI), acute diarrhea, wound infections, food poisoning, pneumonia, malaria, dengue, and other diseases.
  • In Thailand, there were 167 cases of acute diarrhea, 163 cases of wound infections, 33 cases of food poisoning, 20 cases of pneumonia, eight cases of malaria, and seven cases of dengue.
  • In Maldives, health problems reported included 336 cases of acute diarrhea, 275 cases of viral fever, and 55 cases of ARI.
  • The WHO emphasized the urgent need to provide clean and safe drinking water to affected communities, and to improve sanitation and hygiene facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.
  • The organization also cited the need for sufficient soap and hygiene education to prevent the transmission of diseases.
  • Government agencies in India reported sporadic cases of diarrheal disease from affected areas in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • WHO Director General Dr. LEE Jong-wook stressed the importance of ensuring access to clean drinking water and improving sanitation and hygiene facilities to prevent disease outbreaks.

Statistics:

  • 167 cases of acute diarrhea reported in Thailand.
  • 163 cases of wound infections reported in Thailand.
  • 336 cases of acute diarrhea reported in Maldives.
  • 275 cases of viral fever reported in Maldives.
  • 55 cases of ARI reported in Maldives.
  • 20 cases of pneumonia reported in Thailand.
  • 8 cases of malaria reported in Thailand.
  • 7 cases of dengue reported in Thailand.
  • 197.18 mt. of water delivered as relief supplies in the Nicobar Islands.

Sources:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Reuters (Asia Pulse)
  • Press Release from Government agencies in India