NEMO Secretariat
Ministry of Health Updates on Activities in the Disaster Area of Stann Creek District
By NEMO Information Unit
Jun 5, 2008, 12:00 pm

Several communities in the Districts of Corozal, Orange Walk, Belize and Stann Creek were adversely affected by the severe flooding that occurred subsequent to the passing of Tropical Storm Arthur over the weekend of May 30th to June 1st.   As part of the Ministry of Health's response to the disaster, epidemiological surveillance has been stepped up to an active mode.  Based on initial assessments in the Stann Creek District, an estimated 14 small communities, with an estimated total of 6,000 to 7,000 persons affected have been identified as requiring some emergency public health responses. 
Communities, such as this one close to an overflowing river in Northern Belize, are advised to follow Ministry of Health advisories.

At present, no major life-threatening medical emergencies have been reported countrywide.  There have, however, been many reports of injuries sustained during the flash flooding, as well as skin infections which continue to be the most common complaint. 

An area of major concern is that of the mental health of these affected persons.  A number of persons have been severely traumatized by this disaster and are experiencing mental health issues as a direct result.  Various patients have been identified as suffering from stress related complaints such as post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. The Ministry has initiated the process of counseling the patients who have been affected.

Various Medical Teams, from other Health Regions, have been deployed in the disaster area and are concentrating their efforts in providing immediate health services that will prevent the outbreak of any diseases. Doctors and Nurses, Public Health Inspectors, Health Educators, Vector Control Personnel and Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners are providing services including the following:

  • Immunization against tetanus
  • Provision of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) and other needed medications
  • Health Education on topics including hygiene and proper water treatment
  • Detection and treatment of fever and rash illnesses and other ailments
  • Psychosocial support

At the same time various interventions are being implemented to prevent diseases that could be related to unsafe water as well as those transmitted by specific animals and insects including malaria, dengue and leptospirosis.                                  

The Ministry of Health takes this opportunity to remind persons in the flood affected areas to:

 

  • Use only treated, boiled or bottled water for drinking and cooking
  • Store uncooked food safely and avoid eating raw foods
  • Dispose properly of stool and other wastes
  • Wash hands before eating, after using the toilet and before handling food
  • ALWAYS PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE. Should you or anyone in your family get diarrhea, use packets of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) provided by the nurse at your Health Post, Health Centre or Hospital nearest to you.  Please make sure to use treated water. The Nurse, Health Educators or Community Health Workers can provide you with clear instructions for preparing the Oral Rehydration Salt.
  • If you do not have access to bottled water, treat all water for bathing, drinking and cooking  by adding ½ teaspoon of regular Clorox to 5 gallons of water or 1 pigtail bucket of water. Stir well and leave for 30 minutes before using. Before storing water, wash water container properly with soap and water.
  • Make every effort to minimize contact with flooded water to avoid eye and ear infections and skin rashes and wear something on your feet before walking outside on the ground or in flooded waters to prevent cuts, nail punctures and snake bites.

 

In the area of food safety, you are reminded of the following:

    
       .   Wash hands before handling food and during food preparation

  • Use only safe water to prepare food
  • Do not use foods which has been left out too long without proper refrigeration
  • Separate raw food from cooked food
  • Make sure to cook food thoroughly
  • Do not eat food which has been left out too long after it has been prepared

 
The Ministry of Health is appealing to everyone especially those in the affected areas for their support and cooperation so as to prevent the outbreaks of diseases.

 
END