Hurricane Harvey offers reminder of disasters’ long-term impact on health care

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana, HHS Secretary Tom Price, MD, declared a public health emergency in both states following President Donald J. Trump’s disaster declarations.

“As Louisiana and Texas contend with the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey, HHS is committed to doing all that we can to ensure that those affected by this storm receive the vital assistance and support they need,” said Price in a press release.

HHS emphasized the importance of connecting survivors of the disaster with clinicians to aid in coping with the potential short- or long-term behavioral and mental health effects.

Healio Internal Medicine compiled a list of news articles regarding lessons learned and what to expect after a natural disaster such as Hurricane Harvey, including increased risks for mental health illnesses, substance use disorders and infectious diseases.

Tips for coping with natural disasters such as Hurricane Harvey

A number of studies have shown that natural disasters increase risk for depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use disorders. Read more.

Harvey flood victims could face ‘unusual’ infectious disease threats

Storm victims in Texas are at an increased risk for infection in the wake of catastrophic flooding caused by Harvey, which may bring them into contact with pathogens capable of causing disease, including some that may be unusual to physicians. Read more.

‘Extraordinary team effort’ at MD Anderson Cancer Center ensures patient safety during Hurricane Harvey

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is taking all necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of its patients and employees following the devastating impact of Hurricane Harvey. Read more.

Substance use disorder hospitalizations increase post-Hurricane Katrina

Hospitalizations for substance use disorders increased following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and geographic patterns of hospitalizations shifted from flood-exposed areas to less exposed areas in the city center. Read more.

Natural disasters increase alcohol abuse, trauma in adolescents

SAN DIEGO — Alcohol misuse and emotional trauma were higher among adolescents with high exposure to natural disasters, compared with their peers with lower exposure, according to data presented at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting. Read more.

Strong social ties protective against post disaster PTSD, depression

Having a strong social network was associated with lower risk for PTSD among survivors of a major bushfire disaster. Read more.

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Early dialysis treatment improves health outcomes after natural disasters

Receiving dialysis treatment prior to regularly scheduled visits significantly lowered end-stage renal failure patients’ risk for ED visits and hospitalizations after Hurricane Sandy, compared with patients who did not receive advanced treatments, according to published data. Read more.

TB care resumed quickly after Hurricane Sandy

The continuity of care for patients with tuberculosis who were significantly affected by Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 was better preserved than those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, CDC researchers reported. Read more.

Japanese earthquake, tsunami caused spike in fatal MI

The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in 2011 have been linked to an increase in fatal MI among survivors, researchers reported. Read more.

Triage, teamwork lessons learned from earthquakes, tsunamis and terrorist attacks

Within minutes or days of a mass trauma event, hundreds — possibly thousands — of patients may arrive at the ED of a hospital nearest the site of the incident. At these times, orthopedic surgeons can play a key role in the triage and treatment of patients. Later, when these patients undergo limb salvage, reconstruction or amputation procedures, these physicians typically perform the surgery or are involved in the ongoing management of patients. Read more.

PAHO: Hurricane Matthew aftermath will intensify cholera epidemic in Haiti

Health officials from the Pan American Health Organization are expecting a significant upsurge of cholera cases in Haiti because of flooding and damage to the country’s water and sanitation infrastructure following Hurricane Matthew, according to a press release. Read more.