Management of Prevalent Infections in Children Following a Disaster

The morbility and mortality associated with infectious diseases are very high in developing countries. During acute humanitarian emergencies, morbility and mortality increase significantly. Deterioration of the nutritional status associated with such situations increases the risk of infectious diseases among the affected children.

The IMCI strategy, designed for primary care management of children and based on a number of clinical signs at presentation, is an ideal tool for the effective management of people affected by disasters, particularly in situations with limited resources, both material and human. This tool allows a quick and simple distinction between children who require referral to the hospital and those with less severe illness that can be managed in a less complex setting.

Measles, acute respiratory infections, malaria, dengue, and acute diarrhea are the infections that cause more concern in an emergency setting. Take also into consideration sepsis and meningitis. It is important to recognize these diseases as early as possible in order to give appropriate therapy and prevent a possible outbreak among people displaced by a disaster.