Public Health Response
Post Hurricane Floyd

We are collecting information from hospital emergency departments and urgent care clinics on an ongoing basis to measure the magnitude and the causes of illness, injury, and death before, during, and after Hurricane Floyd. Our goal is to react to our findings in real time, by disseminating information to public health agencies and communities in North Carolina on prevention practices. These data are being collected on a daily basis, in order to follow trends as situations related to the flooding change. We also want to learn how we can be more proactive in future disaster situations.

Data collected through October 20, 1999

Introduction to Injury, Illness, and Bite Morbidity Surveillance Related to Hurricane Floyd

Summary of Reports from 18 Eastern NC Emergency Rooms Two Weeks Following Hurricane Floyd Compared with One Week in September 1998

Maps of reported data: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6 (Updated November 19, 1999)

As people return to their communities to begin the necessary clean-up, health and medical providers can expect to see an increase in injuries and illnesses. We expect injuries related to repair to increase, as well as exacerbations of chronic illness. For example, the incidence of respiratory disease is starting to rise. We have already recorded cases of carbon monoxide poisoning due to poor ventilation, although this problem often is underreported due to lack of recognition when it occurs. Mold growth will exacerbate problems for those with underlying respiratory disease.