Hurricanes not only damage infrastructure but also create prime conditions for outbreaks of infectious diseases like cholera and Zika, exacerbated by contaminated floodwaters and stagnant pools left behind.
In short:
- Floodwaters after hurricanes often carry bacteria like Vibrio vulnificus, which has led to rising infections and fatalities in Florida this year.
- Hurricanes destroy sewage systems and spread pathogens, increasing risks of gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases, as well as mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile and dengue.
- Stagnant water encourages mosquito breeding, while indoor flooding promotes mold growth, which can lead to respiratory problems and worsen existing health issues.
Key quote:
“Flooding associated with hurricanes could very well lead to a redistribution of Vibrio further inland, and it goes without saying that there is increased human exposure to contaminated water when a hurricane hits.”
— John Drake, director of the centre for the ecology of infectious diseases at the University of Georgia
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies hurricanes, understanding the health risks they bring is essential. With warming waters and stronger storms, pathogens and disease-carrying mosquitoes may increasingly threaten public health, especially in underserved communities unable to relocate or access healthcare.
Related coverage: Hurricanes leave behind long-term health risks and water contamination
