Hazard Classification and Risk Assessment – NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Samantha Whitegeese, Josephine Edery, and Saba Changizi’s Norovirus Emergency Disaster Plan

Introduction: Norovirus is an extremely contagious virus often referred to as the “stomach bug or flu.” Noroviruses are thought to be responsible for close to 90% of epidemic, non-bacterial outbreaks of gastroenteritis around the world due to its level of contagion, easily spreading through large populations rapidly. The onset of symptoms typically presents within 12-48 hours and is contracted through direct contact (oral route of transmission) with infected individuals, consuming contaminated foods as well as touching contaminated surfaces. While the characteristics of this virus have the potential to put any given individual at risk, there are several factors that may increase risk levels. these include consumption of raw shellfish, children under five years of age, pregnant individuals, elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

December 23, 2024December 23, 2024

Rachel Rosenberg, Olivia Morris, Kristin Memoli’s Wildfire Disaster Plan for Hawaii

Introduction: Wildfires can pose a great threat, especially when the community and emergency responders are not prepared for a mass incident, as demonstrated by the 2023 wildfires that spread through the island of Maui. On August 8th, 2023, Maui was experiencing a severe drought when high winds caused by Hurricane Dora led to the rapid spread of wildfires. Some of the wildfires reached thousands of acres in size and lasted for several days, causing at least $5.5 billion in damages. The town of Lahaina was the most heavily impacted, with 102 fatalities and many more losing their homes. More than 80% of Lahaina’s buildings were destroyed, accounting for some of the 2,200 structures that were damaged as a result of the fires.

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024

Lexie Zinselmeier, Luis Guillermo Gómez Escobar, and Rao Fu’s Dengue Disaster Response Plan for Kenya

Introduction: As climate change continues to increase the average global temperature, the burden of vector-borne diseases continues to rise. This is evident in the most common mosquito-borne disease worldwide, dengue. Currently in Africa there are 13 countries with active transmission, including Kenya. Poverty, combined with inadequate sanitation significantly contributes to dengue outbreaks in Kenya. Poor waste management and lack of proper drainage systems lead to stagnant water in urban areas, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

December 19, 2024

Dagoberto Jameson, Ritu Bhatt, and Neha Shyamkul’s Mpox Disaster Response Plan for New York City

Introduction: Mpox is an infectious disease that has led to a global outbreak in many African countries since 2022 and continues spreading globally to this day. Mpox spreads from close contacts, such as skin to skin, mouth to mouth, mouth to skin, and face to face. According to the WHO, the current outbreak in Central Africa and now in the U.S. has been classified as a public health emergency. Since November 2024, 391 people in New York City have tested positive for Mpox.

December 19, 2024December 19, 2024

Natalia Ramon, Brianna Baez, and Felipe Garcia Jr.’s West Nile Outbreak Disaster Response Plan for Colorado

Introduction: Since 2002, West Nile Virus has been consistently reported in Colorado. In 2023, the incidence of West Nile Virus cases increased significantly due to a rise in the mosquito population, which can be attributed to higher levels of rainfall. Since 2003, Colorado has documented a total of 6,714 cases of West Nile Virus, resulting in 229 fatalities and 1,697 hospitalizations associated with the virus. Notably, in 2023, the annual incidence of cases tripled compared to those reported in 2021.
While the risk of contracting West Nile Virus affects anyone living in areas where
mosquitoes are present, the behavioral patterns of Colorado residents may increase
their vulnerability.

December 19, 2024

Kelsee Katsanes, Ameisha O’Connor, and Mario Gallegos “Tornado Alley” Disaster Response Plan

Introduction: Lancaster County, Nebraska, experiences tornadoes as it lies within “Tornado Alley.” This is an area prone to these types of natural disasters due to its flat terrain, which allows warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico to mix with cool, dry air from Canada. This interaction creates atmospheric instability, leading to the formation of tornadoes. On average, Lancaster County experiences 1 to 3 tornadoes per year.

December 19, 2024

Justin Andries, Aryeh Korman, and Patrick Agins Active Shooter Disaster Response Plan in New York City

Introduction: In an era of unprecedented challenges to public safety, the importance of preparing for and responding to the threat of an active shooter has become paramount. The urgency to safeguard the lives of New Yorkers in the event of such a tragedy requires a meticulously structured disaster plan that addresses both immediate action and long-term resilience.

December 13, 2024December 19, 2024

Ishita Nair, Manasi Narayan, and Madison Crombie’s Disaster Response Plan for Kerala, India

Introduction: Nipah virus (NiV), which was recognized in Malaysia in 1999, is a zoonotic virus spread through direct contact between infected pigs and humans. This virus can also be transmitted through contaminated food and person-to-person via exposure to secretions from infected animals and unprotected person-to-person contact. Thus it is both highly infectious as well as potentially fatal, with a fatality rate of 40-76%.

December 13, 2024December 13, 2024

CDC Warns about E.coli Outbreak Among Large Distributors

The United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued multiple warnings since October regarding an E. coli contamination of multiple food products and produce. The CDC has sent out notices for specific farmers and corporations to stay clear of certain products. In addition, the largest fast food chain in the U.S., McDonalds, has been found to have E. coli contaminants in specific burgers. With the severity of the E. coli outbreak being at record levels in recent years, the CDC urges consumers to stay cautious until further notice.

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024

PAHO States Introduce Way to Enhance Early Detection of Health Threats

In October 2024, member states of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) gathered to adopt a thorough strategy that strengthens early detection and response to health threats across the Americas. This initiative tackles the vulnerabilities revealed by recent global health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing attention to the necessity for strong systems that can monitor and respond effectively to new diseases as they arise. Countries without these measures may risk common outbreaks and significant loss of life, with underserved regions being especially affected.