The challenges in the monitoring of infectious diseases after the earthquake in Türkiye in 2023

After the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and Syria in February, 2023, the long-term failure to meet the need for shelter, unfavourable living conditions in tent settlements, poor access to clean drinking water, water suitable for personal hygiene, and sanitary facilities, as well as interruptions in provision of primary health-care services, have emerged as the most important risk factors contributing to the spread of infectious diseases. 3 months after the earthquake, most of these problems persist in Turkiye. Data on the control of infectious diseases are scarce according to the reports prepared by medical specialist associations based on observations of health-care providers working in the region and statements made by the local health authorities. According to these unsystematised data, and considering the conditions in the region, faecal-oral transmissible gastrointestinal infections, as well as respiratory and vector-borne infections, are the main challenges. Vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, varicella, meningitis, and polio can be spread in temporary shelters due to interrupted vaccine services and crowded living conditions. In addition to controlling risk factors for infectious diseases, sharing data on the status and control of infectious diseases in the region with the community, health-care providers, and relevant expert groups should be a priority to improve the understanding of the effects of interventions and prepare for possible infectious disease outbreaks.

Automated summary

Following the earthquake in Turkiye and Syria in February 2023, the lack of shelter, poor living conditions, inadequate access to clean water and healthcare services have increased the risk of infectious disease transmission. Gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vector-borne infections are the main challenges in the region. Interruptions in vaccine services and crowded living conditions in temporary shelters have also led to the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. Sharing data on infectious disease control with the community and healthcare providers is crucial for intervention and outbreak preparedness.