Due to the increased potential for disaster related diseases UCAR is
immediately declaring the following countries as Listed Areas:
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia, Myanmar,
Bangladesh, Somalia, Tanzania, Seychelles and Kenya. Typical problems
associated with Tsunami flooding include gastrointestinal maladies
(including cholera and dysentery), skin irritations, and acute
respiratory infections. Other flood-related health risks include
typhoid fever, leptospirosis, hepatitis, snakebites and mosquito-borne
diseases such as dengue and malaria.
Travel to Listed Areas requires a special risk assessment before
travel commences. Travel may still occur but the risk assessment
assures that travelers understand the risks involved and receive all
necessary medications, inoculations and first aid supplies. Typical
first aid supplies could include: first aid kits, mosquito repellent,
disinfectant wipes, facemasks, and disposable gloves. Travelers are
advised to limit contact with people who might have been exposed to
communicable diseases in disaster areas or overcrowded shelters. Avoid
standing water and promptly treat any open wounds to minimize the risk
of infection. Wear boots and gloves when working in wet conditions.
Avoid any contact with dead bodies and livestock in the
disaster-ridden areas.
UCAR provides cost free consultative services, medications,
vaccinations, inoculations and first aid kits/supplies for travelers
to Listed Areas. Please consult the UCAR Safety and Site Services
website for critical travel information including: Worldwide Travel
Hazards and Information, Travel Medicine and Health, Listed Areas,
Tsunami Information and Travel Policies and Procedures.
For more information, contact Steve Sadler at ext. 8550, sadler@ucar.edu,
or see the Web page at UCAR Travel Advisories/Hazards.
Thu, Dec 30, 2004 to Fri, Jan 7, 2005
