Katrina’s Leaves Wounds Hard to Heal
I evacuated New Orleans thinking I was taking a four-day trip until the storm blew over. Residents of the Crescent City have left during the hurricane season many times before, usually coming back to their neighborhoods as they left them. I never thought this would, as locals say, "be the one". But it was.
Now, with over a million people displaced, homeless, or deceased, the country must look inward and find ways to help those who have been left destitute. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is coordinating medical assistance and calling for physicians, nurses, environmental health specialists, psychiatrists and social workers to provide urgently needed services.
The aftermath of Katrina ushered in a myriad of health threats to the Gulf region. Infectious disease is a central public health concern; standing water created by floods in New Orleans and elsewhere will breed mosquitos that serve as transmission vectors. West Nile virus, enteroviruses, and waterborne parasitic illnesses such as E. coli (confirmed present in New Orleans floodwater) are fueled by failed sewage systems and bacteria proliferation. Typhoid and cholera outbreaks are feared; however the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes neither disease is endemic to the Gulf States, making an outbreak unlikely. Decaying bodies, which may reach thousands in New Orleans alone, are a more gruesome concern.
In addition to biological hazards, there are numerous fires and spills that have released toxic chemicals, fuel, and other hazardous substances into communities. An official from the Army Corps of Engineers stated that the best choice is to pump contaminated water back into Lake Pontchartrain, which provides recreational and economic benefits to the Louisiana coastal community. Persistent contamination of the lake and local waters may become an environmental nightmare. And what will be left behind after the water is pumped out? Harmful substances are likely to remain, trapped in sediments or adhering to surfaces, the health effects of which could be small or significant.
So, as health professionals, what can we do? The DHHS is requesting health assistance from a variety of disciplines. You may view a list of needed services and apply online at https://volunteer.ccrf.hhs.gov/katrina_form.htm. Humanitarian agencies including the Red Cross, the Louisiana Disaster Recovery Foundation, and the Salvation Army are accepting volunteer applications and donations. A list of relief effort foundations can be found at www.networkforgood.org. (At PSR-Los Angeles we highly recommend the work of Operation USA, http://www.opusa.org/).
Importantly, the long-term environmental and health effects of Katrina cannot be ignored. The consequences of severely contaminated floodwaters, fires, and damage to structures that contain asbestos and hazardous materials may pose environmental risks. There will also be a continuing need for counseling services for those who have been emotionally impacted by this terrible disaster. Please keep abreast of how you can help alleviate chronic health issues as they surface. It is likely the region will take years to fully recover.
Johanna Congleton, MSPH, is the current director of Physicians for Social Responsibility-Louisiana. Ms. Congleton will assist with coordinating efforts to address health issues presented by the hurricane during the coming months. You may wish to keep yourself updated by emailing Congleton@psr.org to keep abreast of assistance opportunities and emerging health issues.