Vector-borne parasitic infections after the earthquake
Fadile Yıldız Zeyrek A , Salim Yakut A and Metin Korkmaz B *A
B
Fadile Yıldız Zeyrek is Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University. She is a specialist in clinical microbiology and clinical parasitology. Her research interests include malaria, leishmaniasis, molecular microbiology, serology and immunology. She is also a member of the malaria and Leishmania science committee of the Ministry of Health. |
Salim Yakut is currently Assistant professor the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University. He is a specialist in clinical microbiology. His research interest includes multi-drug resistant bacteria and molecular microbiology. He is also a member of the Standardisation of Antibiotic Susceptibility Tests Working Group, Turkish Microbiology Society. |
Metin Korkmaz is a Professor of Medical Parasitology at Ege University and he is the responsible for serological diagnosis of human parasitic diseases at the university hospital. His research interests are development of new diagnostic methods, histopathological diagnosis of parasitic diseases and fermentation process. |
Abstract
The transmission of vector-borne infections after an earthquake is related to the changes in the environment caused by the earthquake. The displacement of thousands of people, especially in areas where vector-borne diseases are endemic, can significantly increase human exposure to mosquitoes and other vectors and the pathogens they may carry in overcrowded environments and inappropriate temporary shelters, leading to an increase in human infection cases. The devastating earthquakes in Türkiye on 6 February 2023 pose a risk of the spread and outbreaks of vector-borne infections such as cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and malaria, which are endemic in the region. Public health authorities should prioritise surveillance in all earthquake-affected areas. Immediate detection and identification of local vector species, monitor environmental conditions and potential breeding grounds, insecticide application and use of mosquito nets and development of interventions to prevent the emergence of vector-borne infections are essential. Case diagnosis and treatment follow-up, prophylaxis, training of the public and health personnel, improving temporary shelter conditions and facilitating access to clean drinking water and health services are essential to minimise the impact of vector-borne infections in post-earthquake situations.
Keywords: earthquake, malaria, parasites, Türkiye, vector-borne infection: leishmaniasis.
Fadile Yıldız Zeyrek is Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University. She is a specialist in clinical microbiology and clinical parasitology. Her research interests include malaria, leishmaniasis, molecular microbiology, serology and immunology. She is also a member of the malaria and Leishmania science committee of the Ministry of Health. |
Salim Yakut is currently Assistant professor the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Harran University. He is a specialist in clinical microbiology. His research interest includes multi-drug resistant bacteria and molecular microbiology. He is also a member of the Standardisation of Antibiotic Susceptibility Tests Working Group, Turkish Microbiology Society. |
Metin Korkmaz is a Professor of Medical Parasitology at Ege University and he is the responsible for serological diagnosis of human parasitic diseases at the university hospital. His research interests are development of new diagnostic methods, histopathological diagnosis of parasitic diseases and fermentation process. |
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