How do disease outbreaks after disasters such as measles and dengue affect public health?

When disaster strikes, the impact on public health is often immediate and profound, particularly when it comes to disease outbreaks such as measles and dengue. Such outbreaks tend to strain health resources and response capacity because healthcare systems, which may already be overwhelmed by the disaster's aftermath, find themselves needing to manage additional cases of infectious diseases. This situation can lead to several challenges, such as shortages of medical supplies, increased demand for healthcare services, and overburdened healthcare professionals.

In the wake of a disaster, health infrastructure may be compromised, making it difficult to implement effective surveillance, vaccination, or treatment programs. The combination of these factors increases the overall burden on public health systems, which can lead to poorer health outcomes for affected populations. Therefore, acknowledging that disease outbreaks after disasters can significantly strain health resources is crucial for developing appropriate responses and improving future resilience.