As expected, the medical and humanitarian situation is evolving after possibly the strongest storm ever to make landfall.


According to World Health Organization ( WHO ) 8 out of the 28 international medical teams now in the Philippines have started work, with another 14 expected to start in the next 48 hours. In coming weeks, relief for current teams will be needed.


The main immediate medical problems are the result of trauma ( crushed / fractured limbs ) and wounds which have already become septic.


Apart from tetanus jabs as soon as possible, a mass vaccination programme will start next week against measles and polio. Contaminated water supplies are a big problem, with the risk of cholera and typhoid.


People who already have heart conditions and diabetes need regular medication ; there is a risk of more heart attacks and strokes following a natural disaster of this severity.



All credit to the expert healthcare teams from the UK and elsewhere !



http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24980472