Flood-associated disease outbreaks and transmission in Southeast Asia - Introduction 12
Authors: Boonfei Tan 1
Source: Frontiers
Photo/Image Source: Unsplash
Transmission pathways of waterborne, vector-borne and zoonotic disease during major flooding events within a One Health context. Before floods: Zoonotic Leptospira spp. persists in environmental reservoirs such as waterlogged soils, paddy fields, and mud; maintained through zoonotic hosts including rodents, livestock, and stray animals. Other human-adapted pathogens (e.g., Salmonella Typhi, Vibrio cholerae, hepatitis A and parasite) circulate at low endemic levels in human populations, responsible for isolated or sporadic outbreaks. During floods: Storms, typhoons, and heavy rainfalls precipitate into major floods, dismantle ecological and sanitary barriers. Floodwaters mobilize pathogens through sewage overflows, fecal contamination, and runoff, while also driving zoonotic transmission by bringing animal pathogens into closer contact with humans. After floods: Stagnant water and blocked drainage sustain mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Failures in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems fuel secondary outbreaks, while antimicrobial resistance (AMR) complicates treatment. Added pressures from physical injuries, overcrowding, and disrupted healthcare services further compound the public health burden. Created with BioRender.com.
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