Information

CDC Recommendations for Health and Safety of Volunteers

"CDC recommendations for volunteers & workers in the hurricane damaged region

Current recommendations for immunization (as of September 7, 2005):

Tetanus/diphtheria (Td) - This vaccine should be administered within 10 years
(It is not harmful to have this vaccine at an earlier interval)

Hepatitis B vaccine -This is a series of 3 injections. At least the first should be administered prior to arrival at the site.

Influenza vaccine - This vaccine should be administered as soon as it is available.

A physical exam should be completed by a physician prior to reporting for duty to confirm fitness for the tasks. If primary immunization were not up to date, it would be advised to update them at that visit.

The CDC states that there is low probability of exposure to the following diseases at this time: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Cholera, Meningitis or Rabies. The CDC is, therefore, not recommending vaccination against these diseases at this time.

Universal precautions and good hygiene are always recommended. Using an alcohol-based sanitizer is recommended or thorough hand washing with soap and clean water.

Avoid contact with animals, snakes, and dispose of animal carcasses as soon as possible.

Mosquitoes may be more of a nuisance than a health threat. Yet, stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquito borne illnesses and West Nile Virus, St. Louis encephalitis, and dengue are potential (but low probability) threats. Wearing loose fitting clothing (for the warm climate) but long sleeves and long pants will decrease the incidence of exposure. The CDC recommends using repellents with DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) and Picaridin (KBR 3023). It is important that these products are applied correctly and removed with soap water thoroughly, especially if they are used on a daily basis over an extended period of time.

Sun exposure can be detrimental to health both immediately and over the long term. Stay well hydrated; use sunscreen with an SPF of greater than 15, wrap around sunglasses to protect the eyes, Chap Stick with sunscreen to protect the lips, and aloe gel for sunburns.

Diarrheal diseases and respiratory diseases will be most common. Usually these are viral in nature and self-limited. On occasion, the pathogen is bacterial and requires antibiotic therapy. Immediate medical care should be sought if there are signs of dehydration, blood in the stool, fever, night sweats, or productive cough. Over the counter remedies like chewable bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) and cough/cold preparations are helpful for minor illness.

The CDC reports that workers exposed to human remains may be at greater risk for exposure to blood borne illnesses like Hepatitis B and C, HIV and bacterial disease like shigella and salmonella. Universal precautions must be employed. Protective gear for the face (covering the eyes, mouth, and nose), latex gloves to protect the hands and good footwear. Avoid exposing any open wounds to body fluids.

Debris will be in the area of stagnant water. Be alert to objects that can puncture the skin - especially sharp objects that can injure the feet. Any wounds should be cleaned thoroughly and over the counter antibiotic cream/ointment applied. If the wound appears to be infected (red, hot, painful, swollen) - seek medical attention immediately.

Aftercare: The psychological toll may be great for many people who volunteer and work in the midst of this monumental catastrophe. Workers must be alert to the signs and symptoms of PTSS (Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome), depression and anxiety. Even Salvation Army officers and ministers can be affected by these conditions. If symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks after they are debriefed, medical care should be sought. (This does not mean "medicine" per se, but counseling may be indicated). If physical symptoms of diarrhea, cough, or illness persist following duty, medical evaluation is warranted.

Long-term affects are difficult to assess at this time. A lot will depend on exposure - i.e. viruses like hepatitis or exposure to asbestos.

The majority of the above information is from the CDC website and is up to date as of September 7, 2005. This is an ever-changing situation and recommendations are subject to change. Recommendations for immunization are different for workers versus the displaced individuals of these devastated areas. Communal living subjects people to illness that they typically would not be exposed to. There is a CDC site with recommendations for displaced individuals. www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes"

Persons and churches wishing to make a donation for relief efforts can mark their checks payable to General Treasurer, Church of the Nazarene with "ACM1801 Hurricane Katrina Relief” in the memo line.

On-line using VISA or MasterCard
OR In the US, make checks payable to: General Treasurer

and mail to:
General Treasurer
6401 The Paseo
Kansas City, MO 64131

In Canada, make checks payable to: Church of the Nazarene

and mail to:
Church of the Nazarene Canada
20 Regan Road, Unit 9
Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3

All donations remitted through NCM and the General Treasurers Office will receive 10% Mission Special credit if the local church is identified.

NCM is the liaison between the pressing needs of the world and the individuals that are committed to making a difference. We understand that you may not be able to respond to every need. However, we want to keep you informed of the opportunities for your involvement in projects such as this. Every project deserves your individual consideration.

August 30, 2005
2:30 PM