Health Recommendations for Relief Workers Responding to Disasters

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Health Recommendations for Relief Workers Responding to Disasters

By Center for Disease Control and Prevention

http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/article_3214.shtml

Dec 22, 2005, 17:32

Health Recommendations for Relief Workers Responding to Disasters

This notice provides advice specific to the needs of relief workers

responding to disasters internationally or domestically. Because of

their potential exposures, relief workers are at increased risk for

illness and injuries. In addition, they should be aware of potential

hazards, such as downed power lines and security measures that may

be imposed (e.g., curfews to prevent looting). Those who provide

assistance should also pay attention to their mental health needs

before, during, and after their time in the field. Moreover, because

relief workers' services are desperately needed, it is essential

that workers remain healthy during their trip. In addition to this

notice, relief workers should refer to the general regional travel

recommendations for their specific travel destination.

Prior to Travel

Risks and Health Recommendations

Although, relief workers should be assessed by a health-care

professional at least 4-6 weeks before travel so recommended

vaccines can be completed and provide maximum benefit, there is

value in seeking care even if travel is imminent. Those who know

they may potentially do relief work in the future would receive the

most benefit by visiting a travel health professional early and

completing the relevant vaccine series, if needed, well in advance

of any future mission.

Travelers who are pregnant should consider other ways to be of

assistance. Pregnant women are especially advised to avoid areas

where malaria exists because of increased health risks to both the

mother and unborn child; see Preconceptional Planning, Pregnancy and

Travel in Health Information for International Travel.

Immunizations......

Environmental Hazards

During natural disasters, technological malfunctions may release

hazardous materials (e.g., toxic chemicals from a point source

displaced by winds or rapidly moving water). Natural disasters may

also lead to air pollution. Lung infections may occur after

inhalation of sea water. Disasters resulting in massive structural

collapse can cause the release of chemical or biologic contaminants

(e.g., asbestos or arthrospores leading to fungal infections).

Persons with chronic pulmonary disease may be more susceptible to

adverse effects from these exposures.

Travelers should be familiar with the temperature range in the

intended destination, noting that there may be severe fluctuations

between daytime and nighttime temperatures. There are health risks

related to extreme temperatures (e.g., heatstroke, hypothermia) and

to sun exposure in the tropics or at high altitude on the eyes

(cataracts) and skin (skin cancer, sunburn); see

http://www.cdc.gov/chooseyourcover/SunDay-brochure.htm. Wraparound

sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection should be worn

for eye protection. A broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA

and UVB rays) sunscreen and lip screen with at least SPF 15 should

be used. Travelers should be familiar with the signs of illness

related to extreme heat and what to do; see " What Is Extreme Heat? "

in " Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health

and Safety. "

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