Open AccessResponse to an Unusual Outbreak in a High-risk Situation
Author(s) -
Mahmood Dalhat,
Olufunmilayo I Fawole,
Patrick Nguku,
Meeyoung Mattie Park,
Casey D. Xavier Hall,
Nasir Sani-Gwarzo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the pan african medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.287
H-Index - 30
ISSN - 1937-8688
DOI - 10.11604/pamj.supp.2017.27.1.12566
Subject(s) - outbreak , medicine , context (archaeology) , public health , environmental health , natural disaster , emergency management , epidemiology , medical emergency , socioeconomics , economic growth , nursing , geography , archaeology , virology , sociology , meteorology , economics
In 2010, a series of lead poisoning outbreaks linked to artisanal gold processing killed at least 400 young children in Zamfara State in northwestern Nigeria. There were several efforts to respond to the outbreaks as they occurred. Subsequent recurrence of lead poisoning outbreaks within Zamfara and beyond suggested that there were no efforts to mitigate the outbreaks as recommended for disaster management. This case study, to be completed within 3 hours, is suitable for senior level public health officials and those training for such positions. It enables participants to review and apply epidemiological principles for managing disasters and suggest steps toward development of policy recommendations based on the context of environmental lead exposure. It will serve as a generic training module for managers/responders of other natural (floods, heat stroke) and man-made disasters (civil strife, conflict, insurgency) based on the general/standard principle of the complete disaster management cycle.