Hurricane-related emergency department visits in an inland area: an analysis of the public health impact of Hurricane Hugo in North Carolina.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the public health impact of a hurricane on an inland area.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
Seven hospital emergency departments.


METHODS
Patients who were treated from September 22 to October 6, 1989, for an injury or illness related to Hurricane Hugo.


METHODS
None.


RESULTS
Over the two-week study period, 2,090 patients were treated for injuries or illnesses related to the hurricane. Of these, 1,833 (88%) were treated for injuries. Insect stings and wounds accounted for almost half of the total cases. A substantial proportion (26%) of the patients suffering from stings had a generalized reaction (eg, hives, wheezing, or both). Nearly one-third of the wounds were caused by chain saws.


CONCLUSIONS
Hurricanes can lead to substantial morbidity in an inland area. Disaster plans should address risks associated with stinging insects and hazardous equipment and should address ways to improve case reporting.
Brewer
R D
RD
Epidemic Intelligence Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
Morris
P D
PD
Cole
T B
TB
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004190:Disasters; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007299:Insect Bites and Stings / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009657:North Carolina / Q000453:epidemiology; D011634:Public Health; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy