Disease Prevention Through Hygiene

Emergencies create conditions where disease spreads rapidly. Disrupted water and sanitation, crowded conditions, stress weakening immune systems, and limited access to medical care all increase infection risk. Proper hygiene becomes your primary defense.

Historical disasters show that disease often causes more casualties than the initial event. Maintaining hygiene standards during emergencies can literally save lives. These practices require minimal resources but significant discipline.

Hand Hygiene: The Foundation

Hand washing is the single most effective disease prevention measure. Hands transfer pathogens from contaminated surfaces to your mouth, nose, eyes, and food.

When to Wash

Before eating or preparing food. After using the toilet. After handling waste or contaminated materials. After caring for sick individuals. After touching shared surfaces. Before touching your face.

Proper Technique

Wet hands with clean water. Apply soap. Scrub all surfaces including between fingers and under nails for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly. Dry with clean towel or air dry.

When Water is Limited

Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol provides effective alternative. Use enough to cover all hand surfaces. Rub until dry. Hand sanitizer does not work well on visibly dirty hands. Clean hands first if possible.

Water and Food Safety

Water Treatment

Contaminated water causes cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and other serious illnesses. When water safety is uncertain, treat all water before drinking: boil for one minute, use water purification tablets, or filter through appropriate system.

Food Handling

Keep raw and cooked foods separate. Cook food thoroughly. Eat perishables quickly when refrigeration fails. When in doubt, throw it out. Wash hands before food preparation.

Utensil Cleaning

Wash dishes in hot soapy water. Rinse thoroughly. Air dry rather than towel dry when possible. Use clean utensils for each meal.

Sanitation Practices

Waste Management

Proper human waste disposal prevents fecal oral disease transmission. Use emergency toilet systems correctly. Never dispose of human waste near water sources. Handle waste with gloves.

Living Space Cleanliness

Keep living areas clean and ventilated. Remove garbage regularly. Clean high touch surfaces frequently. Control insects and rodents which spread disease.

Isolation of Illness

Separate sick individuals when possible. Use dedicated bathroom facilities if available. Increase cleaning frequency around sick areas. Caregivers should use extra hygiene precautions.

Personal Hygiene

Bathing

Regular bathing prevents skin infections and removes pathogens. When water is limited, prioritize cleaning hands, face, armpits, and groin. Sponge baths use minimal water.

Oral Hygiene

Continue brushing teeth to prevent dental problems and reduce bacteria in mouth. If toothpaste runs out, brushing with water still helps.

Wound Care

Clean wounds promptly. Apply antibiotic ointment. Keep covered with clean bandages. Watch for signs of infection: increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.

Quick Reference Checklist

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water
• Use hand sanitizer when water unavailable
• Treat all uncertain water before drinking
• Cook food thoroughly
• Dispose of human waste properly
• Keep living areas clean
• Isolate sick individuals when possible
• Clean wounds promptly
• Control insects and rodents
• Maintain personal hygiene routines