A report from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) highlights the risk of spreading infectious diseases, including cholera, in areas affected by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The analysis focuses on how disaster-impacted communities face new health challenges in the immediate aftermath.
According to the centre, the initial health needs in the wake of the earthquakes are driven by injuries and the strain on healthcare systems. However, the potential for infectious diseases to emerge remains a concern for the ensuing two to four weeks as relief operations unfold and water, sanitation, and living conditions are stabilized. This period is critical for preventing disease transmission while medical care is scaled up for injuries and chronic conditions that may have been disrupted.
There is a high probability of a rise in cholera cases in the affected zones in the coming weeks, the statement notes, underscoring the importance of safe water, proper sanitation, and effective case management to curb outbreaks. The situation may also allow for the emergence of other diarrheal illnesses if water and food safety are compromised in camps and shelters.
Experts caution that other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis A and rotavirus, could affect victims in the displacement sites or temporary settlements. Vaccination campaigns, sanitary improvements, and prompt clinical care will be key components in preventing secondary health crises.
The ECDC explained that limited access to clean drinking water, poor sanitation, and inadequate hygienic practices contribute to the spread of infections. Food preparation in crowded living spaces, combined with disrupted waste management, further elevates risk and calls for rigorous hygiene measures and public health surveillance.
Respiratory infections are identified as a particular concern in makeshift camps where close contact and crowded conditions can accelerate transmission. Adequate shelter, ventilation, and access to medical evaluation are essential to mitigate this risk and protect vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
On February 6, two major earthquakes, the strongest with a magnitude of 7.7, struck Turkey. The Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) reported a substantial number of casualties and widespread damage, with aftershocks continuing to occur. The evolving loss and disruption emphasize the need for rapid health response, mental health support, and durable shelter solutions.
By February 20, a new earthquake near the Turkish-Syrian border registered a magnitude of 6.4, compounding the ongoing humanitarian emergency and complicating relief efforts in already strained regions. The latest official estimates from the Turkish Interior Ministry indicate that tens of thousands lost their lives in the disaster, reinforcing the urgency of coordinated, long-term public health action to prevent further harm and to rebuild health services that can withstand future shocks.