After a week since DANA devastated some locations in Valencia, Aragon and Castile-La Mancha, a large number of volunteers are helping those affected to clean up the remains of the catastrophe. After days surrounded by mud, standing water and other debris, public health concern It has become one of the main topics discussed by experts and professionals in epidemiology. THE infections may occurbut organizations such as the Spanish Vaccinology Association ”urge caution”.
The president of the Generalitat Valenciana has alerted the population of a possible future health emergency linked to tetanus. However, over the days, experts have provided information that calls for calm, but also calls for prevention. A priori, The vaccination program in Spain meets the objective of avoiding these infections. However, all volunteers and people affected by DANA are recommended to do so If in doubt, contact the nearest health center for two reasons:
- Recall with a professional the vaccines administered over the years.
- If there is a deficiency, have them administered quickly before continuing with recovery work.
What are the two important vaccines to administer after DANA?
Dr. Oriol Mitjà, epidemiologist at IS Global, recalled through the media the recommendation to have Vaccines against tetanus and hepatitis A. As mentioned above, these two vaccines are two examples of those that exist included in the vaccination program and are administered in the first years of lifeusually combined with other components.
In the case of tetanus, this vaccine is one of those called hexavalent. It is not injected as a single component, but is administered Guidelines at 2, 4 and 11 months. In fact, the Spanish Association of Vaccinology“We remind you that, in Spain, vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) was introduced in Spain in 1965 and since then the vaccination guidelines have been revised and improved”
As regards hepatitis A, in recent years and as underlined by the art Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunizations of the Spanish Association of Paediatrics “Vaccination is currently recommended only in groups at risk of severe disease or at high risk of infectionsuch as travelers to endemic areas, the population with HIV, chronic alcoholism, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, the MSM population and close contacts of hepatitis A cases (post-exposure prophylaxis)”.
This is because Spain is recognized as a country with low endemicity, although in Catalonia, Ceuta and Melilla it is included in the childhood immunization program. With this, Health calls for calm and together with the associations recommend focusing above all on the elderly, too “stay informed on these issues through official channels”.
Hepatitis A: symptoms and precautions
The cities devastated by DANA remained almost completely isolated, without water and electricity. Many inhabitants today have to survive on the food and drink that comes to them from all over Spain. However, as there is no electricity, the possibility of cooking is not even considered Epidemiology experts urge you not to consume unbottled water. This is because floods alter all channels, carrying large amounts of fecal contamination and other pathogens that pose health risks.
One of the possible consequences is Hepatitis Ahighly contagious and causes wastewater mixes with drinking water. <a target="_blank" href="
The symptoms of hepatitis A are manifested by abdominal pain, dark urine, extreme tiredness, fever, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice).
Tetanus: symptoms and precautions
The property damage is so extensive that forced tasks from volunteers are needed, such as removing cars, furniture and other types of debris to watch out for. Damage can cause cuts and wounds They must be treated immediately to avoid the spread of tetanus disease, which affects the nervous system. This is it caused by bacteria Clostridium tetani and, although the majority of the population can count on the vaccine (remember that it recommends a booster every 10 years), it is essential to pay attention.
How and as collected by the National Library of Medicinethe first signals respond mild spasms that usually start in the jawbut they can be transferred to the neck and back. Other symptoms may include:
- I’m drooling
- Excessive sweating
- Fever
- Uncontrollable urination or defecation
- Spasms in the hands or feet
- Difficulty swallowing
Community, which has caused the death, so far, of over 100 people. There was also countless material damage, with roads blocked and areas isolated by water, mud and landslides. Many municipalities were left without drinking water and around 75,000 people were left without electricity in the province of Valencia due to the storm. This DANA is the most tragic atmospheric catastrophe recorded in Spain for more than half a century. Jorge Gil / Europa Press 31 OCTOBER 2024;DANA;RIADA;UTIEL;AUTO;TRAGEDY;MUD;VALENCIAN COMMUNITY;;PIXELADA 31/10/2024″ src=”https://imagenes.20minutos.es/uploads/imagenes/2024/11/03/voluntarios-en-aldaia.jpeg”/>
People should avoid flooded areas
DANA destruction
Experts urge people with medical conditions not to expose themselves to cleaning catastrophic areas. This is how specialists and doctors advise against the help of people with asthma or other respiratory problems, patients with immunodeficiencies, pregnant women and minors.
Therefore the recommendations are clear: use of mask, gloves and boots which avoid further contact with the body and also protect the eyes. Also, keep rubbish away and, if possible, leave disinfect recoverable areas with bleach. The best advice is to always consume safe drinking water and throw away any food that may have come into contact with contaminated areas.
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Dr. Oriol Mitjà, Epidemiologist at IS Global
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Mitjà. It’s a pleasure to have you here today as we discuss the recent impact of DANA in Spain and the public health concerns that have arisen in the aftermath. Can you tell us about the current health risks faced by those in the affected regions?
Dr. Mitjà: Thank you for having me. The devastation caused by DANA has raised significant public health concerns, particularly regarding infections. Floodwaters can carry fecal matter and pathogens, which lead to diseases such as Hepatitis A and can also pose a risk for tetanus infections, especially for those engaged in recovery efforts.
Editor: It’s truly a concerning situation. We’ve seen a large number of volunteers stepping in to assist with clean-up. What preventative measures should these volunteers and residents take?
Dr. Mitjà: It’s crucial that they focus on vaccination and hygiene. For people in the affected areas, verifying their vaccination status against tetanus and Hepatitis A is essential. If they have any doubts about their vaccinations, they should visit their nearest health center. It’s important to note that while the vaccination program in Spain typically meets the needs to prevent these infections, those exposed to muddy and potentially contaminated environments should ensure they’re up to date.
Editor: That makes sense. I understand that the tetanus vaccine is part of a combined vaccination schedule. Can you provide more details about that?
Dr. Mitjà: Yes, indeed. The tetanus vaccine is usually administered as part of a hexavalent vaccine in Spain, which includes vaccinations for diphtheria, pertussis, and more. The schedule typically starts at 2, 4, and 11 months of age, with a booster required every ten years. People engaging in clean-up work should be particularly vigilant about their vaccine status to prevent any tetanus infections, which can result from cuts or wounds.
Editor: Speaking of Hepatitis A, could you elaborate on the symptoms and precautionary steps that should be taken?
Dr. Mitjà: Certainly. Hepatitis A can present symptoms such as fever, jaundice, abdominal pain, and extreme tiredness. The risk increases when there is a lack of clean water and sanitation—floods can contaminate drinking water with fecal matter. Therefore, it’s critical for people to avoid consuming unbottled water and to ensure they are vaccinated if they are in high-risk situations.
Editor: With all that you’ve mentioned, how can the health authorities effectively communicate the importance of prevention to the public, especially considering the urgent nature of the situation?
Dr. Mitjà: Clear and timely communication is key. Health authorities should disseminate information through official channels, emphasizing both the importance of vaccinations and good hygiene practices. They should also focus on educating the community about recognizing symptoms of these illnesses and the need for immediate medical attention if they arise.
Editor: as we navigate through these challenges, what message do you hope to convey to the volunteers and communities impacted by DANA?
Dr. Mitjà: I want to express my deep gratitude to all the volunteers for their selfless contributions. However, I urge them to prioritize their health by ensuring they’re properly vaccinated and practicing good hygiene. Remaining attentive and informed can save lives not just for themselves but for those they are helping as well.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Mitjà, for sharing your insights. Your expertise is invaluable as we work to support the communities affected by DANA and ensure their health and safety moving forward.
Dr. Mitjà: Thank you for having me. Let’s hope for a swift and effective recovery for all those impacted.