A powerful 8.6 magnitude earthquake and a series of strong aftershocks struck
off Indonesia earlier Wednesday, April 11, 2012. We all know that an earthquake
usually accompanied disease outbreaks or epidemics. A few days later, various
diseases begin to threaten the refugees. Patients with kidney disease in
Indonesia should pay particular attention to the daily care after the quake.
You need to be aware and take action to prevent from being affected by the
following infections diseases that may appear post-earthquake.
1. Tetanus disease: infections that affect the nervous system and
muscles.
This infectious disease is marked by muscle cramps (spasms) and increase of
tonic reflex occurs causing stiffness in the jaw and difficulty opening the
mouth.
Muscle cramps may occur completely, curved spines, and in severe
conditions can occur spasm of acute airway obstruction that causes deaths.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea describes watery bowel movements with a frequency of over 2 time per
day due to the inability of the large intestine absorbs water from the feces
produced. Mainly cause after the quake lie in a bacterial infection through food
and beverages. Besides, environmental hygiene in temporary refugee camps can
also lead to diarrhea due to waste disposal facilities and toilets are not
adequate.
3. Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARI)
ARI is the commonest disease at the earthquake refugees living in tents or
temporary shelters due to the density of residential people living in a room and
penularaan may occur easily through the air. Prompt treatment is needed to
prevent severe complications like infection with lower respiratory tract or
pneumonia.
Given the complexity of the problem after the earthquake, kidney patients
should take emergency response, including maintaining a well sanitation and
environmental hygiene, eat health food and drinks. Whenever you need any advice
for health care, feel free to contact us. We will try our best to help you.