September 01, 2005 Hurricane Katrina #16 --- Health Tips For Rescue Workers

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Baton Rouge – State health officials are issuing an infectious disease advisory for rescue workers who will be entering the area impacted by Hurricane Katrina. This advisory is directed towards: utilities workers, rescue personnel, emergency medical services staff, fire fighters, military personnel, and law enforcement personnel.

 

As operations in the affected area continue the risks of infectious diseases are rising. At this point, many people have sheltered in close quarters with limited or no access to running water or hygiene facilities. In addition, the floodwaters inundating the area provide a medium to carry several infectious diseases. As such, rescue workers should follow the guidelines below:

 

Food/water Borne Diseases

 

 

 

Bloodborne Diseases

When handling patients or victims, it is always important for rescuers to practice standard safety precautions to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogens. Universal precautions include wearing protective gloves when handling patients or body fluids.

 

Airborne Diseases

Tuberculosis is endemic to Louisiana, and volunteers may encounter people who have the disease. Tuberculosis is usually transmitted by long-term close contact with people who are shedding the bacteria that cause the disease. At this time, tuberculosis is not considered to be a significant public health concern for volunteers. However, if a patient or victim is actively coughing, providing them with a surgical mask is an appropriate precaution.

 

 

 

Other Diseases

 

 

 

 

Vaccines

Vaccines are expected to be available to rescuers in the next 24 to 48 hours. The vaccines that have been ordered include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Vaccine will be made available to volunteers who have not previously been vaccinated for these diseases.

 

For more health and safety information following Hurricane Katrina, visit www.dhhemergencynews.com

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Surgeon General Ralph L. Abraham, M.D.

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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