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Public Health Issues and Priorities for the Haiti Earthquake

Based on previous experience with disasters in Haiti and earthquakes in other countries, CDC has a general understanding of what the public health needs will be in Haiti following the January 12th earthquake. The following projections and recommendations take into account Haiti’s socio-economic and demographic situation, and the health of its people prior to the earthquake.

Dispelling Earthquake Disaster Myths

  1. Dead bodies rarely spread disease
  2. Earthquakes rarely trigger major epidemics

Following the earthquake, most pressing public health concerns in Port-au-Prince and surrounding affected areas will include:

  • Adequate quantity and quality of water
  • Food security
  • Appropriate shelter and protection from the elements
  • Prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vector-borne illnesses
  • Provision of health services to prevent maternal and infant deaths
  • Prevention of violence and further unintentional injury
  • Treatment of kidney failure due to crush injuries
  • Prevention of deaths from infected wounds
  • Prevention and treatment of inflamed lung tissue caused by concrete dust



Public Health Priorities

  1. Reduce and prevent further deaths, injuries, and illnesses
  2. Determine and meet critical needs for water and sanitation, healthcare, and food
  3. Verify the status of healthcare facilities and assist in standing up healthcare services
  4. Assess and address emergency maternal and infant health needs
  5. Provide health education to help people protect their own health and safety
  6. Conduct disease and injury surveillance in displaced and non-displaced populations

Providing Help for Haiti

  1. Monetary donations are the best early option.  Non-monetary donations, including people, equipment, and materials, can quickly overwhelm the response system.
  2. Occupational health and safety for responders is a significant concern.
  3. Responders should be self-sufficient. In general, they will not be able to rely on local resources for food, water, shelter, medical needs, transportation, and security.

 

For more information on earthquakes visit CDC’s website: 
General Earthquake Information: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes
Food and Water Concerns after an Earthquake: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/food.asp
What to Do after an Earthquake: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/after.asp

 

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