Normally, fungal spores stay where they are and you would not have contact with them unless you disturb them. Disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes can push fungal spores into the air. These spores can cause lung, sinus, or skin infections. Any of these infections can trigger sepsis.

Fungal infections usually affect people with impaired or depressed immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or who are taking corticosteroids, or who have no spleen. However in a disaster situation, with the unusual amount of fungal spores in the air, even seemingly healthy people could develop a fungal infection.

Bacterial infections can be spread through contaminated water, food products, or from person to person, depending on the infection. For example, leptospirosis spreads through animal urine from farm animals and others, including rodents, wild animals, and even dogs.

Animal and snake bites are also a concern during a natural disaster. Many displaced or disoriented animals may lash out, biting humans. In a disaster situation, it can be difficult to properly clean the wound and get medical help quickly. People may also develop necrotizing fasciitis, the so-called “flesh eating” disease from bacteria in contaminated water that entered the body through a cut, scrape, or bite.

Cholera, a bacterial virus, is frequently found in developing countries with contaminated water resources. It is considered to be one of the biggest infection threats when a natural disaster occurs.

Viral infections, such as hepatitis A, can spread through contaminated water, but viral infections as a whole may be more of a concern in close quarters that are housing many people, such as crowded shelters. The infections may be as common as gastroenteritis, with vomiting and diarrhea, or others, such as influenza or rubella. Covid-19 is also a concern.

Parasitic infections such as dysentery are spread through contaminated water, and standing water in tropical climates encourages breeding of mosquitoes, which can transmit infections like malaria.

After the initial effects of a natural disaster, different levels of government, non-government organizations (NGOs), and volunteers must assess the situation and deal with the aftermath. Clean water and proper sanitation are priorities. Access to medical assistance is also important.

First responders and volunteers who enter dangerous zones, such as flooded areas, must be watchful for any wounds, no matter how slight. They must clean and dress them properly, and monitor for any signs of infection. People who enter areas that potentially have fungal spores in the air must wear respiratory masks.

To reduce your risk of contamination during or after a natural disaster, keep up-to-date on your routine vaccinations and if you are traveling to a country that has different vaccination requirements, follow those as directed. Consult your local government offices to see what emergency supplies to have on hand.

We can’t prevent natural disasters from occurring. But we may be able to reduce our risk of injury or infection when one happens.