Assessment of the Health Impacts of the 2011 Summer Floods in Brisbane

Alderman, Katarzyna; Turner, Lyle; Tong, Shilu

doi:10.1017/dmp.2013.42

Cited by 57 publications

(58 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Many epidemiology studies on the health impacts of floods use self-reporting methods to reconstruct flood events. [27][28][29] Some combine surveillance data with surveys. 30 These types of study designs can introduce recall and reporting bias.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Defining Population Health Vulnerability Following an Extreme Weather Event in an Urban Pacific Island Environment: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Natuzzi

Joshua²,

Shortus

et al. 2016

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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Abstract. Extreme weather events are common and increasing in intensity in the southwestern Pacific region. Health impacts from cyclones and tropical storms cause acute injuries and infectious disease outbreaks. Defining population vulnerability to extreme weather events by examining a recent flood in Honiara, Solomon Islands, can help stakeholders and policymakers adapt development to reduce future threats. The acute and subacute health impacts following the April 2014 floods were defined using data obtained from hospitals and clinics, the Ministry of Health and in-country World Health Organization office in Honiara. Geographical information system (GIS) was used to assess morbidity and mortality, and vulnerability of the health system infrastructure and households in Honiara. The April flash floods were responsible for 21 acute deaths, 33 injuries, and a diarrhea outbreak that affected 8,584 people with 10 pediatric deaths. A GIS vulnerability assessment of the location of the health system infrastructure and households relative to rivers and the coastline identified 75% of the health infrastructure and over 29% of Honiara's population as vulnerable to future hydrological events. Honiara, Solomon Islands, is a rapidly growing, highly vulnerable urban Pacific Island environment. Evaluation of the mortality and morbidity from the April 2014 floods as well as the infectious disease outbreaks that followed allows public health specialists and policy makers to understand the health system and populations vulnerability to future shocks. Understanding the negative impacts natural disaster have on people living in urban Pacific environments will help the government as well as development partners in crafting resilient adaptation development.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Defining Population Health Vulnerability Following an Extreme Weather Event in an Urban Pacific Island Environment: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Natuzzi

Joshua²,

Shortus

et al. 2016

The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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“…It has been perceived as a challenge to humans because of its association with various undesirable environmental changes . Sustained alteration of climate results in elevated temperature and sea levels, alteration in humidity, and occurrence of unusual weather events like extreme precipitation . These changes contribute to the increase in severity and frequency of flooding …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Impact of climate change on dermatological conditions related to flooding: update from the International Society of Dermatology Climate Change Committee

et al. 2018

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Climate change contributes to the increase in severity and frequency of flooding, which is the most frequent and deadly disaster worldwide. Flood-related damage can be very severe and include health effects. Among those health impacts, dermatological diseases are one of the most frequently encountered. Both infectious and noninfectious dermatological conditions are increasing after flooding. We searched PubMed using the search term climate change OR global warming OR rainfall OR flooding OR skin. Articles published in the English-language literature were included. We also searched the International Society of Dermatology website library on climate change for additional articles. There is an increased risk of trauma during the course of a natural disaster. The majority of post-tsunami wound infections were polymicrobial, but gram-negative bacteria were the leading causes. Infectious diseases with dermatological manifestations, such as impetigo, leptospirosis, measles, dengue fever, tinea corporis, malaria, and leishmaniasis, are important causes of morbidity among flood-afflicted individuals. Insect bites and stings, and parasite infestations such as scabies and cutaneous larva migrans are also frequently observed. Inflammatory conditions including irritant contact dermatitis are among the leading dermatological conditions. Dermatological conditions such as alopecia areata, vitiligo, psoriasis, and urticaria can be induced or exacerbated by psychological conditions post disaster. Prevention is essential in the management of skin diseases because of flooding. Avoiding exposure to contaminated environments, wearing protective devices, rapid provision of clean water and sanitation facilities, prompt vector controls, and education about disease risk and prevention are important.

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“…This is consistent with studies in the UK and Australia that found associations between flooding and psychological distress, anxiety and sleep quality. 12,13 However, it differs from an Australian study that showed a decrease in prescriptions of anti-anxiety medications immediately after a cyclone but an increase over a six-month period. 16 A possible explanation is that this Australian study looked at overall rates of prescriptions, whereas the current study looked at new prescriptions among individuals who had not had a previous prescription in the preceding year, and this specificity allowed for the detection of a signal.…”

Section: Mental Health and Violencementioning

confidence: 65%

“…11 Mental health impacts can include anxiety 12 and difficulty sleeping, 13 as well as the precipitation or exacerbation of mental health disorders requiring medical attention (e.g., depression, posttraumatic stress disorder). 11 For only a small subset of those with psychological distress will mental disorders go on to develop over the long term.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Public health surveillance response following the southern Alberta floods, 2013

Sahni

Scott

Beliveau

et al. 2016

Can J Public Health

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OBJECTIVE: In June of 2013, southern Alberta underwent flooding that affected approximately 100,000 people. We describe the process put in place for public health surveillance and assessment of the impacts on health.METHODS: Public health surveillance was implemented for the six-week period after the flood to detect anticipated health events, including injuries, mental health problems and infectious diseases. Data sources were emergency departments (EDs) for presenting complaints, public health data on the post-exposure administration of tetanus vaccine/immunoglobulin, administrative data on prescription drugs, and reportable diseases.RESULTS: An increase in injuries was detected through ED visits among Calgary residents (rate ratio [RR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14-1.43) and was supported by a 75% increase in the average weekly administration of post-exposure prophylaxis against tetanus. Mental health impacts in High River residents were observed among females through a 1.64-fold (95% CI: 1.11-2.43) and 2.32-fold (95% CI: 1.45-3.70) increase in new prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication and sleep aids respectively. An increase in sexual assaults presenting to EDs (RR 3.18, 95% CI: 1.29-7.84) was observed among Calgary residents. No increases in infectious gastrointestinal disease or respiratory illness were identified. Timely identification and communication of surveillance alerts allowed for messaging around the use of personal protective equipment and precautions for personal safety.CONCLUSION: Existing data sources were used for surveillance following an emergency situation. The information produced, though limited, was sufficiently timely to inform public health decision-making.KEY WORDS: Floods; population surveillance; epidemiology La traduction du résumé se trouve à la fin de l'article.

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Assessment of the Health Impacts of the 2011 Summer Floods in Brisbane

Abstract: The 2011 Brisbane floods had significant impact on the physical and psychosocial health of residents. Improved support strategies may need to be integrated into existing disaster management programs to reduce flood-related health impacts, particularly those related to mental health.

Cited by 57 publications

References 24 publications

Defining Population Health Vulnerability Following an Extreme Weather Event in an Urban Pacific Island Environment: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Defining Population Health Vulnerability Following an Extreme Weather Event in an Urban Pacific Island Environment: Honiara, Solomon Islands

Impact of climate change on dermatological conditions related to flooding: update from the International Society of Dermatology Climate Change Committee

Public health surveillance response following the southern Alberta floods, 2013

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