HEALTH ISSUES

An enormous number of people died as a result of the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean — some drowned, some were swept away by the wave, and some were killed by collapsing buildings. In addition to the deaths caused by the tsunami itself, this type of natural disaster disrupts the normal balance of nature and creates many health problems.

For example, many people are left without a place to live after their homes are destroyed. Without shelter, people are exposed to insects and natural elements like extreme heat. To make matters worse, many of the animals that normally feed on insects are killed during a natural disaster, and so even more insects are left to carry diseases. Also, food and water supplies can become contaminated by parasites and bacteria when essential systems like those for water and sewage are destroyed. This can also contribute to outbreaks of serious diseases. These problems often become even more serious because it can be difficult to get medical care to the people who need it when there is so much destruction.

Getting clean drinking water, food, shelter and medical care to survivors as quickly as possible is important to avoid even more illness and death. Medical and public health personnel — like those at the CDC — travel to disaster sites to bring in medical supplies, monitor and survey for infections, and help rebuild water systems and housing. Helping people cope with stress and grief is also important.

After the Asian tsunami, there was a lot of worry about infectious disease outbreaks, particularly those spread though contaminated food and water, or through animals and mosquitoes.

Information on these diseases, and their symptoms and treatments are below.