Infectious diseases associated with extreme flooding events
Abstract
ntroduction: Extreme flooding events are on the rise worldwide and can contribute to the spread of specific infectious diseases. For example, respiratory infections such as influenza, coronavirus and other respiratory viruses are common among those affected, mainly due to exposure to unsanitary conditions, increased humidity and overcrowding indoors. Understanding how the interrelated effects of floods can trigger infectious disease outbreaks is important for developing cross-sectoral preparedness strategies to protect public health.
Aim: The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the relationship between the occurrence of floods and the occurrence of infectious diseases, with the aim of identifying possible factors and appropriate interventions to prevent and address the phenomenon.
Methodology: The search was performed in the online database PubMed, using the words and phrases (floods disasters, floods events,) and (infectious diseases), and the terms between the categories were linked to “AND”. The search took place in September 2024, with a time limit of the last five years (2019-2024). It was limited to primary research and meta-analyses published in English.
Results:This study included 14 articles that met the review criteria. Of the fourteen studies, only two did not record a statistically significant increase in infections studied due to flood exposure. However, the remaining twelve presented data suggesting that flooding increases the risk of developing diseases such as diarrhoea, leptospirosis, influenza and skin problems. Contact with contaminated water after floods, exposure to animal excrement and living conditions after the disaster were some of the main causes of disease.
Conclusions: This systematic review confirms a significant correlation between flooding and the increased risk of spreading infectious diseases. The findings highlight the need for public health interventions in flood-prone areas, focusing on improved hygiene, disease surveillance, and targeted education to mitigate this increased risk.
