Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/MYAI-823543?OpenDocument
Samoa: Diarrhea Outbreak in Tsunami Affected Areas
Source: Samoa Red Cross Society
Date: 25 Jan 2010
The Samoa Red Cross Health Team is responding to reports from health clinics in the tsunami affected areas of an increase in cases of diarrhea, particularly in children under the age of 5. The primary cause for the increase is thought to be related to lack of access to running water supplies and the resulting impact on basic sanitation and hygiene. Of highest concern is the increase in cases for young children who are particularly vulnerable to the complications of diarrhea, which include malnutrition, and in extreme cases, death. The exact number of new cases over the last month is not available at this time.
The Health Team has been mobilized and is conducting preliminary assessments, and developing an educational intervention to be administered to individual families in the affected villages. The intervention will be tailored to the results of the preliminary assessment but will most likely include information on, handwashing, water sanitation, and proper waste disposal. Families will also receive information on the causes of diarrhea as well as at home treatments, and instructions for obtaining medical assistance. The educational intervention is scheduled to commence later this week.
Samoa: Diarrhea Outbreak in Tsunami Affected Areas
Source: Samoa Red Cross Society
Date: 25 Jan 2010
The Samoa Red Cross Health Team is responding to reports from health clinics in the tsunami affected areas of an increase in cases of diarrhea, particularly in children under the age of 5. The primary cause for the increase is thought to be related to lack of access to running water supplies and the resulting impact on basic sanitation and hygiene. Of highest concern is the increase in cases for young children who are particularly vulnerable to the complications of diarrhea, which include malnutrition, and in extreme cases, death. The exact number of new cases over the last month is not available at this time.
The Health Team has been mobilized and is conducting preliminary assessments, and developing an educational intervention to be administered to individual families in the affected villages. The intervention will be tailored to the results of the preliminary assessment but will most likely include information on, handwashing, water sanitation, and proper waste disposal. Families will also receive information on the causes of diarrhea as well as at home treatments, and instructions for obtaining medical assistance. The educational intervention is scheduled to commence later this week.