As one other hurricane threatens the U.S., the aftermath of Hurricane Helene nonetheless poses main threats.
Individuals in areas of the nation that had been devastated by the storm could face quite a few well being dangers.
Fox Information senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel joined “Fox Report Weekend” to debate the severity of the injury, together with folks being injured and displaced from their properties, in addition to 350,000 residents in North Carolina and Georgia who’re nonetheless with out energy.
“Persons are displaced, persons are in shelters, pets are in shelters, roads are broken, the infrastructure’s going to take months or years to repair,” he mentioned.
“And which means post-traumatic stress dysfunction for folks. Which means nervousness.”
Along with psychological well being considerations, Siegel emphasised that public well being has turn into a difficulty following the storm, noting the scarcity of unpolluted water.
The Federal Emergency Administration Company (FEMA) has introduced 7.5 million liters of water to affected areas, nevertheless it’s “not almost sufficient,” in line with the physician.
“Many individuals are with out water,” Siegel mentioned. “Many individuals have water that they’re fearful might be contaminated.”
Whereas dehydration is a risk, Siegel cautioned that consuming contaminated water can result in dysentery and diarrheal illnesses.
“Folks [ingest] micro organism, they get sick, then they get dehydrated, then they don’t have water,” he mentioned.
In keeping with Aquasana, a maker of water filtration programs, boiling contaminated water will help kill off dangerous micro organism and solids, however gained’t take away different substances like chlorine or lead.
Even so, Siegel talked about that some Individuals won’t have the power to boil their water.
“There’s an amazing quantity of well being dangers occurring proper now,” he mentioned.
“The hospitals are overwhelmed in these areas, and we’re speaking in Appalachia, very rural areas, the place there isn’t numerous medical care to start with.”
Lack of medicine and correct medical care is one other threat, in addition to folks being displaced from their properties, Siegel added.
“That causes numerous trauma and stress psychologically,” he mentioned.
“People who find themselves roaming round which might be fearful, which might be anxious, get damage. We’ve seen numerous accidents and there are extra to come back.”
“Neighborhood spirit and neighborhood involvement and serving to your neighbor is basically the way in which to go,” he went on. “However not in case you’re totally remoted.”
For households or family members trying to assist those that have been affected by the hurricane, Siegel inspired them to ship clear water, drugs, antibiotics and first support.
“Don’t enterprise out into areas which might be unsafe,” he suggested. “You probably have a mobile phone working, you actually wish to be in contact along with your neighbors, along with your family members, as a lot as doable.”
Siegel emphasised the significance of getting sufficient medical suppliers out there throughout the nation to deal with emergencies as Hurricane Milton intensifies.
“We’ve to care for our well being care employees as a result of we’re getting a ton of burnout,” he mentioned.
“We don’t have sufficient well being care employees on this nation for emergencies like this.”