Hurricane Katrina

Released: September 2, 2005

The Public Health Agency of Canada is closely monitoring the after-effects of Hurricane Katrina, which hit South Florida, the Gulf Coast of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi on August 29. The southern parishes and counties of Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi have been declared Federal Disaster Areas. Martial law has been declared in the Parishes of Jefferson, Plaquemines and Orleans in the state of Louisiana. Entry into New Orleans is prohibited except for authorized vehicles.

Severe flooding and wind damage have devastated neighbourhoods. Severe disruptions in transportation and basic services have occurred. Infrastructures such as housing, roads, and access to power have been destroyed. Public health infrastructures such as potable water and sewage systems have also been affected. Thousands of residents are homeless and living in shelters.

The Public Health and Disaster Management authorities in the US are managing the response to the situation.

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC)

As a result of storm damage, blistering heat, and unsanitary conditions, many health problems and injuries can be expected following hurricane Katrina.

The risk for food- and water-borne diseases is increased. Human waste from overflowed sewage systems, animal waste and rotting food will find its way into flooded areas. Gasoline and toxic chemicals may also be found in the flooded waters. All this provides optimal conditions for the development of several infectious diseases. With the unavailability of potable water, the risk of water-borne diseases such as traveller's diarrhea (Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni etc...) and food-borne diseases (Salmonella etc…) will be increased. For detailed information on intestinal infections transmitted from contaminated food or water please see: Gastrointestinal Illness while Travelling

The risk for mosquito-borne diseases (existing and new) is increased. With long term flooding there can be an increase in mosquitoes. This can result in an increase in mosquito-borne diseases already present (West Nile Virus), as well as the development of new mosquito-borne diseases not necessarily common in the affected areas.

The risk for injury is increased. Debris, downed power lines, structural and electrical damage to buildings, gas leaks, and damage to infrastructure from hurricane Katrina has caused many hazards. Injury to the feet will be the most common injury. Open wounds exposed to contaminated water may lead to skin infections.

The risk for the spread of infection between humans is increased. People trapped and/or living in close quarters, where there is limited or no access to running water or adequate hygiene facilities will further facilitate the spread of infection between humans.

The risk for complications associated with chronic disease is increased. People with chronic illnesses may have difficulty accessing their medication and poor sanitary conditions may aggravate their existing health problems.

Limited access to medical treatment will increase risk. Hospitals and other medical facilities have been destroyed resulting in limited availability of medical and public health services. Facilities that are operational are overwhelmed and medical supplies are depleted.

The risk to psycho-social well-being is increased. Psychological effects on the victims of the hurricane are far reaching. The trauma of living through the hurricane and the resulting homelessness and displacement of entire communities will significantly impact their capacity to cope and adapt.

The risk to personal physical safety is increased. Fear and anger coupled with the necessity to meet basic human needs in order to survive, may lead to unlawful behaviour. With limited security infrastructures present in some affected areas, personal physical safety may be at risk.

Recommendations

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadian travellers postpone all non-essential** travel to the North Central Gulf Coast from Morgan City, Louisiana, eastward to the Alabama/Florida border, including the city of New Orleans and Lake Pontchartrain.

Where travel to affected areas is essential, travellers should ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations - including diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, mumps and rubella - are up to date. Additionally, immunization against typhoid and hepatitis A is recommended; hepatitis B should be considered if travellers will be working with either patients or victims.

Travellers are reminded to heighten personal hygiene including good hand-washing practices. Alternatively, travellers can use waterless, alcohol-based antiseptic hand rinses.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends the following key principles regarding food and water precautions to minimize their risk of exposure to disease. They are: boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it!

• Eat only food that has been well-cooked and is still hot when served.
• Drink only purified water that has been boiled or disinfected with chlorine or iodine, or commercially bottled water in sealed containers.
• Drinking carbonated drinks without ice, including beer, is usually safe.
• Avoid ice, unless it has been made with purified water.
• Boil unpasteurized milk.
• Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and ice cream.
• Avoid uncooked foods - especially shellfish - and salads. Fruit and vegetables that can be peeled are usually safe.
• Avoid food from street vendors.
• Wash hands before eating or drinking.

Travellers are advised to stay well hydrated and use protective clothing from the sun while working in this climate. Where mosquitoes are present, insect precautions should be used including the use of DEET. U sing personal insect protective measures will reduce your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.

**Note: Non-essential travel refers to the recommendation that travel which can be reasonably postponed should be. The decision to postpone travel rests with the individual traveler.

As a reminder…

The Public Health Agency of Canada routinely recommends that Canadian international travellers consult their personal physician or a travel clinic prior to international travel, regardless of destination, for an individual risk assessment to determine their individual health risks and their need for vaccination, preventative medication, and personal protective measures.

The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends, as well, that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada should seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician, without being asked, that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada, and where they have been.

For More Information:

Safety and security issues related to Travel

• Canadians are directed to the Foreign Affairs Canada US Travel Update

Disaster Information

• The United States Department of Health and Human Services web site provides comprehensive information on the Hurricane Katrina disaster relief efforts including links to other Federal resources and State Health and Emergency Management Agencies

General Travel Health

• Immunizations recommended for travel outside of Canada
• General Advice for Travellers
• Gastrointestinal Illness while Travelling

Diseases

• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid Fever