Health threats affect tsunami survivors

This is not original reporting. All information has been compiled from various sources including CNN.com, MSNBC, the Feminist Daily News Wire and the World Health Organization.

According to CNN.com, despite the ongoing relief efforts in Southeast Asia, the United Nations (U.N.) warns that the long-term effects of the tsunami may be just as damaging as the tsunami itself. The U.N. fears that poor living conditions in Southeast Asia could result in an outbreak of epidemics. Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India suffered the greatest death tolls from the tsunami, but now the greatest concerns in these countries include polluted water, sanitation, food, shelter and health. Some of the diseases that are likely to emerge are waterborne diseases such as malaria and diarrhea. Respiratory tract infections are likely to be a problem as well, and gastrointestinal diseases such as cholera are also a likely result of such a natural disaster.

Female victims of the tsunami are also facing problems of their own. The Feminist Daily News Wire states that reports from local women's organizations in Southeast Asia reveal that women and girls are in danger of violent acts such as rape, gang rape, molestation and physical abuse. These incidences have occurred during unsupervised rescue operations and in the temporary shelters. The United States Department of State fears that sex trafficking may become a new dilemma. In addition, according to "Women's Enews,” women also face gynecological and reproductive health problems due to a shortage of tampons and sanitary napkins.

In Aceh, Indonesia, there was an unexpected outbreak of tetanus and pneumonia, according to a Newsweek article called "Surprise Killers.” Tetanus is a bacterial infection that is contracted through open wounds. Many of the tsunami survivors suffered severe cuts and abrasions, and soon after, they experienced lockjaw and spasms- classic symptoms of tetanus. Aspiration pneumonia comes from inhaling seawater and its unsanitary contents. Physicians in Aceh complain that the U.N. never warned them that such outbreaks were possible.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), malaria is a serious disease that is caused by a parasite. People who contract malaria experience high fevers, chills and flu- like illnesses. Diarrhea is caused by bacterial and viral infections as well as food poisoning, according to www.netdoctor.co.uk. Respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, are also caused by viral infections. Symptoms include dry cough and swelling of the mucous membranes in the nose, which make it hard to breathe.