Post-earthquake intestinal parasite screening and family education in a primary school in Hatay, Türkiye

Abstract

Objective: After the earthquake centered in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, Hatay province, located in the Mediterranean region of Türkiye, was devastated. After the natural disaster, people whose houses were destroyed started to live together in temporary accommodation centers such as tent and container cities. Various factors such as deterioration of infrastructure, restricted access to safe drinking and potable water sources increase the incidence of parasitic diseases. The aim of this study was to screen for intestinal parasites in students of Davut Ibrahim Eskiocak Primary School in Hatay after the earthquake and to evaluate the incidence of intestinal parasites in children due to changing living conditions after the earthquake.Method: Families of students attending Davut Ibrahim Eskiocak Primary School in Hatay were informed about intestinal parasites in children and the reasons that increased the incidence of parasitic diseases after the earthquake. Questionnaire forms and stool containers were distributed to the families. Stool and cellophane tape samples were collected from students living under different conditions after the earthquake. Stool samples were evaluated for intestinal parasites by Nativ-Lugol, modified formol ethyl acetate precipitation method. Cellophane tape samples were analyzed for Enterobius vermicularis.Results: A total of 114 students participated. Intestinal parasites were detected in 52 (45.61%) of the stool samples. Enterobius vermicularis eggs were seen in 16 (14.04%) of the cellophane tape samples. Conclusion: Earthquakes and the socioeconomic, environmental, and public health challenges that arise in their aftermath may increase the risk of parasitic infections. Further large-scale studies involving broader populations are recommended to better understand the impact of earthquakes on the prevalence and distribution of parasitic infections.