Introduction to Disaster Epidemiology

Web Lecture Exercise

The actual effects of disasters are perceived in different ways. How should you react to disasters? The following questions address key points from the lecture and the role of disaster preparedness.

Please complete the following items and return your response by clicking the submit button at the bottom of this page. Please remember to include your name and e-mail address to receive appropriate credit.

True or False:

a. Disasters cause fewer deaths in rich countries than in poor countries: True False

b. When disaster strikes, outbreaks of infectious disease are inevitable due to the presence of unattended dead bodies? True False

c. The Sahelian drought in Africa in the 1980s was caused by a combination of climatic and man-made factors? True False

d. It is generally safe to drive a car through rising water: True False

e. Floods and disaster events involving water generally involve more deaths than injuries: True False

Consider the following paper:

Deaths Associated with Hurricanes Marilyn and Opal -- United States, Sept-Oct 1995. MMWR 45:32-38, 1996

f. How were the deaths from hurricanes identified in this paper?
g. What types of injuries can occur before a hurricane strikes?
h. What types of injuries can occur during a hurricane?
i. What types of injuries can occur after a hurricane strikes?
j. What types of prevention strategies can one employ in each stage of a hurricane to reduce injury deaths?

Thanks to WHO, "Should Disaster Strike...Be Prepared"

Your Name: E-mail address:

Go to Introduction to Disaster Epidemiology lecture slides

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