Natural Disasters, Complex Emergencies, and Epidemics: Overlap and Occurrence
Author Information
Author(s): Paul B. Spiegel, Le Phuoc, Mija-Tesse Ververs, Peter Salama
Primary Institution: UNHCR, Geneva, Switzerland
Hypothesis
Do large-scale epidemics commonly occur following large natural disasters?
Conclusion
Epidemics commonly occur during complex emergencies, but not typically following large-scale natural disasters.
Supporting Evidence
- 63% of the largest complex emergencies had at least one epidemic.
- 23% of the largest natural disasters were linked to an epidemic.
- 87% of the largest complex emergencies occurred in areas with at least one natural disaster.
Takeaway
This study found that when big disasters happen, like wars or famines, diseases often show up too, but big diseases don't usually come after natural disasters like earthquakes or floods.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from various databases on natural disasters, complex emergencies, and epidemics from 1995 to 2004, focusing on the largest events by mortality.
Limitations
The study only shows ecological associations and does not establish cause and effect; some events may not have been captured, and misclassification may have occurred.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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