Hurricane-related emergency department visits in an inland area: an analysis of the public health impact of Hurricane Hugo in North Carolina

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate the public health impact of a hurricane on an inland area.

Design: Descriptive study.

Setting: Seven hospital emergency departments.

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

Intervention: None.

Measurements and main 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.

Conclusion: 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.