Hospitals are bracing for a "secondary medical surge" following flooding from Hurricane Helene and Milton — infections — North Carolina Health News reported Oct. 12.
In western North Carolina, where tropical storm Helene caused severe flooding, hospitals are bracing for a wave of infections and illnesses related to the storm. The infections tend to come from exposure to sewage, chemicals and toxic industrial waste, and bacteria in flood water, as well as limited access to clean water.
A 2018 study found that the risks of respiratory and heart disease were higher following flooding.
"Increased exacerbations of cardiovascular disease, including worsening control of hypertension and myocardial infarctions, with an associated increased risk of death, were observed after hurricane events with associated flooding," another study said, according to the news outlet. "Patients with chronic respiratory diseases were noted to have an increase in acute exacerbations after natural disasters, owing to disruption in maintenance therapy, loss of power, particularly among oxygen- and nebulizer-dependent patients, and overcrowding."
Here are six things to know:
1. The first wave of medical needs might come from infections such as staph infections and strep from bacteria on the skin, aeromonas or tetanus from infected water, norovirus and E. coli, and Legionnaires' disease.
2. Respiratory illnesses — including COVID-19, influenza and RSV — are also expected to increase due to hundreds of people spending time together in shelters during and after the storm.
3. Other diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis A and La Crosse encephalitis could also surge in the flooding aftermath.
4. Environmental triggers could also impact health, including mold from floodwaters and an increase in mosquito breeding and mosquito-related illnesses.
5. Accidental injuries are also expected to rise as more people use fires inside the house, generators which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, snake bites, injuries from fallen trees, and stress from the event that can result in increased symptoms of chronic diseases.
6. People with chronic disease are also expected to see worsening outcomes. Some of this is due to stress and lack of access to medications and care.