Health risks grow in crowded sites
Health concerns are rising in the temporary shelters, where overcrowding, limited ventilation, unsafe water access and sanitation problems could create further risks.
Dr Mauricio Cerpa Calderon, an adviser to the Emergency Operations Centre of the Pan American Health Organization in Washington, said the immediate priorities included monitoring respiratory infections, diarrhoea, skin diseases, wound infections, dengue and vaccine-preventable diseases.
National health authorities are evaluating targeted vaccination campaigns in shelters, depending on risk, vaccine availability and national guidelines, Cerpa said.
Aid and emergency teams continue work
The United Nations said aid operations were being expanded in coordination with the government in Caracas.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said some search-and-rescue teams remained in affected areas, while specialised engineering teams and medical support continued to arrive.
PAHO and the World Health Organization have also supported authorities with technical guidance and supplies for handling the aftermath of the disaster.
The situation remains fragile, with thousands of people still without homes and emergency teams working to prevent the health crisis from worsening in temporary shelters.
Source: Reuters