Standing Water Left From Hurricane Offers New Breeding Ground For Zika Mosquitoes
Although the biggest health threat following the hurricane is the potential for injury as people start to rebuild, this year there's an added danger with the Zika virus. In other news, a look at how a hospital system handled Hurricane Matthew.
ABC News:
Health Issues After Hurricane Matthew Could Include Increased Zika
The storm's disruption of mosquito-control efforts in the Miami area could also provide an opportunity for the Aedes aegypties mosquito population, which spreads the Zika virus, to multiply. For areas still grappling with flooding, standing water can be a concern, especially if sewers start to overflow. Debris and bacteria can hide in floodwaters, raising the risk of health infections for those who wade in. (Mahoney, 10/10)
Georgia Health News:
Evacuating Patients: How A Hospital System Responded To A Hurricane
With Hurricane Matthew bearing down on Georgia, a pair of coastal hospitals swung into action. Starting Thursday, both campuses of Southeast Georgia Health System (SGHS) – in Brunswick and St. Marys – moved all 190 patients to other hospitals in the state prior to the storm’s arrival. The SGHS hospitals are in low-lying areas near the water. (Miller, 10/10)
