Impact of Flood-Related Waterborne Diseases on Vulnerable Populations in Thailand
Thailand is prone to frequent floods, which have been found to have a significant impact on human health, particularly in terms of communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and skin diseases. To ensure the safety of communities, it is suggested to investigate the factors related to waterborne diseases and analyze their prevalence and spatial distribution. The following activities are proposed based on existing literature:
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Use Google Earth Engine (GEE) to identify inundated areas.
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Monitor surface water quality in both flood and non-flood areas, focusing on key indicators.
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Conduct spatial-temporal analysis to establish the relationship between water indicators and the health of flood-affected communities.
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Identify potential countermeasures to improve human health during flood situations.
Water quality data can be obtained from relevant organizations such as the Thailand Pollution Control Department (PCD) and the Department of Disease Control (DDC). In cases where important data is missing, field samples can be collected.
Previous research conducted in Thailand on skin diseases during floods has found that eczema and allergies, often accompanied by itchy, red skin, were the most common problems. Additionally, individuals aged 60 years and above experienced muscle pain, athlete's foot, skin rashes, and psychological health issues (such as insomnia, stress, tension, attention deficit, and discontentment) during floods.