Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria: the risk of epidemics considered “worrying”

Two weeks after the earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria, the survivors are still in a difficult situation, many have lost their loved ones, their homes and some are seriously injured.

In a press release published this Monday, the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) warns of a new fear: the spread of infectious diseases in the coming days.

The spread of infectious diseases “should be of concern in two to four weeks,” the ECDC writes, as they have “the potential to cause epidemics, particularly when survivors move to temporary shelters.”

The “significant possibility” of a “rebound in cholera cases”

These infections could, on the one hand, come from water and food, which can become contaminated in non-optimal storage situations. The ECDC cites the possible circulation of hepatitis A, norovirus and rotavirus (which can cause gastroenteritis).

In addition, “a rebound in cholera cases in the affected areas is an important possibility in the coming weeks,” writes the European body.

An epidemic of this disease, which can be deadly, has been going on in Syria for several months now due to severe problems with access to water. “A planned vaccination campaign, interrupted by the earthquakes, should be accelerated,” says the ECDC.

The risk of epidemics of respiratory infections

On the other hand, while these territories are in the middle of winter and temperatures are low, the risk of epidemics of respiratory infections is “a concern.” And it “increases as survivors are moved to camps… where overcrowding cannot be avoided.”

ECDC fears the spread of Covid-19, influenza and other respiratory viruses and “in the event of an epidemic, additional pressure will be placed on already damaged health systems.” Epidemics of measles, chicken pox, meningitis or even poliomyelitis are also feared.

Therefore, the European Center for Disease Control calls for populations in these areas to be vaccinated to prevent the spread of these diseases, maintain access to care as much as possible, and monitor hygiene and sanitary facilities.