Infectious Disease Frequency Among Evacuees at Shelters After the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and Tsunami: A Retrospective Study

• DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2014.15
• Publication Date: 2014-03-10T11:02:43Z
• Authors: Takahisa Kawano; Kohei Hasegawa; Hiroko Watase; Hiroshi Morita; Osamu Yamamura
• Keywords: Interquartile range; Cumulative incidence; Attack rate; Acute gastroenteritis

Abstract Objective After the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake and tsunami, World Health Organization cautioned that evacuees at shelters would be increased risk of infectious disease transmission; however, frequency occurred in this population was not known. Methods We reviewed medical charts who visited clinics 6 from March 19, to April 8, 2011. Excluded were patients did reside within or whose records lacked a name date. investigated cumulative incidences acute respiratory infection [ARI], gastroenteritis, jaundice syndrome, scabies, measles, pertussis, tetanus. Results Of 1364 shelter clinics, 1167 (86.1%) eligible for study. The median total number 2545 (interquartile range [IQR], 2277-3009). ARI most common disease; with 168.8 per week 1000 (IQR, 64.5-186.1). Acute gastroenteritis second common; 23.7 5.1-24.3). No other diseases observed. incidence each 13.1 person-days 8.5–18.8). 1.6 0.3–3.4). Conclusion outbreaks evacuation shelters. ( Disaster Med Public Preparedness . 2014;0:1-7)