The risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases is high post natural disasters, primarily due to population displacement. So while we reel under the aftershocks, there is another factor that needs to be paid attention to – our health. The Week talked to Dr. Mahesh Dahal, MD, who is currently working at Alka Hospital in Jawalakhel, to understand what the current crisis means in regard to our well being and to know what can be done to ensure good health.
Excerpts:
What are the major health issues that we need to be concerned about?
The recent tremors have scared the people and that has sent most of them out of their houses into the open yet again. People are forced to live together, in big or small groups, and that poses a serious threat of communicable diseases to those with low immunity. In extreme cases, where the already sick and infected have to live in a group, there could be a danger of diarrheal diseases and communicable diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis. So people have to be careful while inhaling and exhaling if they’re around someone suffering from these diseases as they could contract it from them.
What steps can be taken to minimize the risks?
Living in groups gives us lesser options of taking foolproof steps to be disease free. It’s not like staying at home where we can take care of hygiene issues properly. But with extreme care, the situation can be taken under control. You can start by keeping a few things in mind. First of all, don’t forget essentials like masks and gloves when you’re in a crowded area. Washing hands before eating and after visiting the restroom is not something to be taken lightly. In children, cases of diarrheal diseases this year are slightly more than last year, despite the low population in the valley. Besides that, if one is living in camps or in groups, then they have to make sure that human settlement is far from the restrooms in order to reduce the risks. Also, it’s best to avoid mosquito bites, so use mosquito nets if you can. Public awareness plays a huge role in minimizing the risks.
Do you think that the public awareness programs being disseminated right now are enough to keep diseases at bay?
In Kathmandu, reported cases of communicable diseases are less in number than anticipated. But then, this might not be because of the public awareness messages that the media has circulated widely, but because many people are leaving the capital to seek safer places that are less affected by the tremors. But the monsoon season is just around the corner and that, I fear, could make things worse for the earthquake victims. So the local level actors, government, and the public have to take adequate measures to ensure that the health of each member of the community is not compromised.
Are there any chances of long-term health effects? What steps should be taken for prevention?
Symptoms of diarrheal diseases manifest quickly, and if proper steps are taken, can be treated quickly and effectively as well. The same goes for water and air borne diseases. If there are patients suffering from tuberculosis, then they should use masks. Otherwise, the air droplets will get contaminated and put other people at risk. In this condition, the people might also be at risk of suffering from Hepatitis A and E. To prevent that, they should make sure they boil water before drinking, and be careful about the food they consume. Again, washing hands is an absolute necessity. If there’s water shortage, then alternatives like hand sanitizers should be used. Also, keeping a sick person in isolation and minimizing direct contact with them is recommended during periods like these.
What can people living in the camps do to stay healthy and boost their immunity?
It’s better to check the food that you are being supplied with, so that you don’t consume food that is past its expiry date and are harmful for you. As there are many people who are not in the condition to take nutritious food, drinking soups and trying to eat healthy food at regular times are also recommended. Drinking water is also important to stay hydrated. Along with that, you have to make sure that you don’t catch a cold, which will lower your immunity. Keep the place you live well lit. Give proper attention to waste management and use dustbins with lids so that it doesn’t become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and flies. Children have to be especially trained to take care of themselves regarding this matter.
Who is more at risk of contracting communicable diseases?
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Children and the old are more at risk of communicable diseases and these two groups need to be taken care of properly and given more attention to, especially post natural disasters. The parents or the elders in our respected communities play a huge role in ensuring that kids stay healthy by giving them necessary information on the subject matter and teaching them about maintaining personal hygiene. Likewise, the older generation needs to be looked after too. Their hygiene and necessities need to be monitored so that they stay healthy.
Before the earthquake, many cases of swine flu had been reported. What is the probable risk of swine flu in the current situation?
The risks still stand as they were before. People have to be careful and they need to remember to take preventive steps like washing hands, using gloves and masks, drinking boiled water, and keeping away from crowded places as much as possible. The goal is to strengthen your immune system so that it can fight the threats. Also, don’t forget to pay special attention to small details that can save your life.
