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In shelters, where disaster victims sleep and eat in the same place, where uneaten food and waste cannot be adequately disposed of and where victims cannot wash their hands properly due to restriction on the use of water, the elderly face potential hygiene problem.
The elderly are particularly vulnerable because of their depressed digestive systems and compromised immune systems. There are concerns that, once an elderly evacuee gets food poisoning, diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms, his/her fluid and electrolyte balance are easily disturbed, which can have serious consequences.
Therefore, prevention of food poisoning is essential.
Assessment
| 1. |
Presence of food poisoning symptoms
Presence of gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomachache and diarrhea |
| 2. |
Evaluate the sanitary conditions of shelters
| 1. |
Observe the sanitary state of the living space |
| 2. |
Observe garbage dumping areas and the method of disposal of uneaten meals |
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Coping methods
| 1. |
1. Maintain food hygiene
| 1. |
Check the state of hygiene (time limit of consumption) of distributed meals and the place of storage |
| 2. |
Separate eating and sleeping spaces |
| 3. |
Set up segregated garbage disposal areas, e.g. separate foods and other garbage |
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| 2. |
Enforce disinfection of the hands
| 2. |
When water cannot be obtained:
Distribute disinfectants for hands and wet tissues |
| 3. |
Place disinfectants for the hands near toilets |
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| 3. |
Provide education on food poisoning
Distribute leaflets and brochures describing the danger and preventive methods of food poisoning |
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Risk of food poisoning
