NYU GPH Journal of Public Health Disasters
A student-led journal driven by the latest research in public health disaster preparedness and management.
On August 30, Japan was struck by Typhoon Shanshan, prompting emergency warnings across the nation. Japanese authorities reported that over one million individuals were advised to evacuate due to extensive damage caused by the typhoon. Japan was hit with record-breaking rainfall and flooding, which particularly damaged structures along the southern coastline.
Continue reading “Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan, Millions Forced to Evacuate”In June 2018, Guatemala’s Volcán de Fuego erupted, leading to the evacuation of 31,000 people, at least 99 deaths, and 15 injuries. The Guatemalan government had a delayed response to the event, which revealed weaknesses in its disaster preparedness. This, along with the public’s lack of knowledge of the dangers and risks of volcanic eruptions, caused one of the most fatal eruptions in Guatemalan history.
Continue reading “Kristin Memoli’s Case Study on Volcán de Fuego Eruption in Guatemala”
In this study, a team of researchers are assessing whether booklets should be more widely considered in informing the public on disaster preparedness and response, especially their appropriateness in addressing the mental health toll of the recent Turkey-Syria earthquake. The team gathered data on the use of booklets, and found that they have been used in disaster response in several countries, including Ukraine, Malaysia, the United States, and Bosnia Herzegovina.
Continue reading “An Analysis of Information Booklets’ Effectiveness in Post-Disaster Situations”
An anthrax outbreak in Kyotera District, Uganda, resulted in 17 fatalities this past November. The outbreak, initially referred to as a “strange disease” by residents, was confirmed by Dr. Edward Muwanga, the Kyotera District Health Officer. The deadly bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, is believed to have infected humans through contact with contaminated animal products or infected animals.
Continue reading “Anthrax Outbreak Claims 17 Lives in Kyotera, Uganda”
Introduction: “Mass Psychogenic Illness (MPI) (also known as ‘mass hysteria’ or ‘mass sociogenic illness’) is the “rapid spread of illness signs and symptoms affecting members of a cohesive group…whereby physical complaints that are exhibited unconsciously have no corresponding organic etiology.’ Universities must be prepared for a potential outbreak that might affect students, faculty, staff, and other members of the community.”
Continue reading “Victoria Sevilla, Ivy van Domselaar, and Silvia Peñate’s Mass Psychogenic Illness Emergency Response Plan for Texas A&M University”
Daneau’s case study provides an overview of the extreme heat waves in Phoenix, Arizona between 2012 and 2022. During this period, more than 3,200 individuals died from heat-related complications.
Continue reading “Nancy Daneau’s Case Study on Extreme Heat Wave in Phoenix, AZ”
In preparation for the next pandemic, Mongolia underwent an extensive revision process to their current emergency response and preparedness plan. Mongolia conducted an extensive review and simulation exercise, mimicking an avian influenza outbreak, to determine the methods to alleviate stressors in the event of an outbreak. This call to action arose following identification of needed improvements as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Continue reading “Mongolia Reviews New Pandemic Response Strategies Amid Covid-19 Outbreak”