Introduction

This guide is intended to assist governments confronted with the problems related to vectors and pests that follow certain natural disasters. It will also be of value to evaluation teams asked to determine the probability of vector-borne disease related emergencies. The specific objectives of this guide are:

(1) To call attention to the vector, rodent, pest and related problems that may occur after a natural disaster

(2) To provide technical information necessary for evaluating the need for vector and rodent control following natural disaster

(3) To provide technical information for initiating immediate and postdisaster control measures

(4) To serve as a basis for the formulation of national and international training programs for the evaluation and control of vector-borne disease after natural disaster

(5) To provide guidelines for planning and carrying out surveillance and control programs under austere conditions.

Since every natural disaster has some unique characteristics, no guide can completely cover every situation. Individual judgment, fortified by knowledge of the environmental, public health, political and economic conditions of the affected area, will provide the real guidance for evaluating problems and finding adequate and acceptable solutions. This guide provides information about specific problems related to vectors and contains suggestions for solving them.