Tsunami survivors in India can feel relieved that they are relatively safe from epidemics but many others who weathered the tidal waves are exposed to deadly diseases, the WHO has cautioned.
Nearly four weeks after disaster struck the region Dec 26, large bodies of stagnant water are creating conditions for mosquitoes to multiply, which could potentially cause the outbreak of epidemics, the WHO has warned.
Most affected countries in the region, including India, are endemic for dengue fever and malaria. The Maldives has no malaria cases but does have dengue cases.
"In India, a number of anti-vector measures are being implemented, including the strengthening of vector surveillance measures. Large insecticide impregnated bed-nets have been distributed to families living in displacement camps," a WHO official said here.
But a rise in dengue and malaria is likely, particularly in Indonesia and Sri Lanka, which are witnessing the onset of the rainy season, he said, quoting WHO officials deployed in tsunami-affected Southeast Asian countries.
While pools of salt water would not support mosquitoes by themselves, they can become ideal breeding grounds for the malaria vector once diluted by rains.
"Drinking water storage around temporary dwellings can become a breeding place for vectors. Exposure is further increased if displaced populations live in temporary conditions without proper shelter," the official said.
Indonesia suffered a major dengue outbreak last year. Given the extent of destruction due to the tsunami, the WHO is concerned about the increased risk of dengue in Aceh.
Along with strengthening disease surveillance in the affected areas, the WHO has urged governments to step up preventive measures, especially since no medical treatment is available for dengue fever.
More than 150,000 people, including over 10,000 in India, were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in South and Southeast Asia by the Dec 26 tsunami.
In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, health officials had feared the outbreak of epidemics fuelled by rotting dead bodies but their fears were unfounded.