Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences: Faculty Bulletin (Volume: 3, Issue: 26, February 2023)

Abstract

INFECTIOUS DISEASE RISKS IN THE POST-DISASTER DAYS MAY POSE A SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC HEALTH PROBLEM!!!

Stating that traumas were the most significant cause of death and illness in the first days of earthquakes, Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Health Sciences Public Health Specialist Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurten Elkin underlined that the risk of contagious diseases will increase if nutrition, shelter, hygiene and healthy drinking and utility water cannot be provided.

Among the communicable diseases in disaster areas, the cold season increases the likelihood of acute respiratory tract infections, and also water and food-borne diseases and contact-transmitted (scabies, lice and fungi, etc.) can take place. Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurten Elkin, Public Health Specialist from the Faculty of Health Sciences of Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), stated that the crowded temporary settlements after the earthquake is a separate risk factor for infectious diseases.