Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of UNPHU, urges to strengthen epidemiological surveillance to prevent the effects of Hurricane Fiona

The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU), Dr. Dr. William Duke, warned about possible affections and injuries in the population due to Hurricane Fiona, and urged health authorities to strengthen epidemiological surveillance in the areas most affected by the atmospheric phenomenon.

In that regards, the Dean indicated that this type of natural phenomena affects the quality of drinking water, increasing the risk of conditions such as cholera, typhoid fever, malaria, hepatitis A and gastrointestinal pathologies caused by bacteria, along with skin conditions such as dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and scabies.

Some injuries may result from cuts or bumps with objects pulled by water. Also, the potential risk of drowning in the case of flooding, as well as electrocution from falls of electrical lines.

All these eventualities, Duke explained, must be analyzed by the General Directorate of Epidemiology (DIGEPI) and the various brigades that serve the population affected by the passage of the hurricane, to prevent outbreaks of diseases with the adequate supply of medicines, food and drinking water of quality, in addition to reinforcing vaccination schemes.

“It must be guaranteed in a multisectoral way the cleanliness of those places where Fiona has attacked with greater force, affecting the population,” he said.