Preliminary assessment on priority communicable disease risk in quake hit area in Yushu, Qinghai

Objective To analyze the risk factors to the incidence and spread of communicable diseases and find out the epidemic-prone diseases after the earthquake in Yushu county, Qinghai province, and provide guidance for taking more effective prevention and control measures of communicable diseases in quake hit area. Methods The data of communicable diseases reported from January 1, 2004 to April 15, 2010 in quake hit area were analyzed. Based on the literature review and consultation of experts, the risk factors which might increase communicable disease transmission and the list of main epidemic-prone diseases were described. Results The major diseases reported in Yushu since 2004 were hepatitis B and pulmonary tuberculosis, followed by hepatitis C, echinococcosis and syphilis. Gonorrhoea, anthrax and meningococcal meningitis were less reported. The factors which might increase communicable disease transmission included temporary resettlement with poor sanitary condition, increased exposure to host animals and vectors, increased population movement, increased susceptibility to disease, and limited access to health services. Respiratory infectious diseases-measles, influenza and pulmonary tuberculosis and intestinal infectious diseases-bacillary dysentery and diarrhea were with high transmission potential. The transmission potential of plague and anthrax was moderate, and the transmission potential of rabies and STD was low. Conclusion The post disaster measures to prevent and control communicable diseases in Yushu should focus on water and food safety, environment sanitation, resuming immunization and TB control programs, strengthening the prevention and control of plague, echinococcosis and measles. The management of resettlement points should be strengthened too.