American Journal of Public Health
Volume 80, Issue 7, 1990, Pages 824-828

Infectious disease control in a long-term refugee camp: The role of epidemiologic surveillance and investigation (Article) (Open Access)

Elias C.J.* , Alexander B.H. , Sokly T.
  • a Clinical Scholars Program, University of Washington, HQ-18, 3747 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
  • b Clinical Scholars Program, University of Washington, HQ-18, 3747 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
  • c Clinical Scholars Program, University of Washington, HQ-18, 3747 15th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98105, United States

Abstract

This report demonstrates the role of epidemiologic surveillance and investigation in the control of infectious diseases in a long-term refugee camp. The applications of simple epidemiologic methods in a refugee camp on the Thai-Cambodian border are described for a one-year period. The development of a Health Information Office facilitated the collection of demographic and vital statistics data, administration of a disease surveillance system, regular monitoring of hospital and outpatient discharge diagnoses, and investigation of disease outbreaks. This office also organized community health education campaigns and disease control efforts. Examples of specific disease investigations are provided to demonstrate the utility of epidemiologic surveillance in the control of infectious disease. We conclude that simple epidemiologic methods play an important role in health planning in long-term refugee camps.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

education protozoon refugee education program respiratory tract infection urinary tract infection demography human priority journal Malaria otitis media nonhuman health program male female diarrhea Article organization and management infection control major clinical study skin infection
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0025366028&doi=10.2105%2fAJPH.80.7.824&partnerID=40&md5=6da5ad6be2d6d12b6eea64ea86a42645
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.80.7.824
ISSN: 00900036
Cited by: 20
Original Language: English