Several health concerns emerged in the wake of the earthquake, including:
1. Infectious Diseases: The risk of infectious diseases increased significantly due to overcrowded living conditions in temporary shelters and poor sanitation. The most notable outbreak was the cholera epidemic, which began in October 2010 and resulted in over 800,000 cases and approximately 10,000 deaths.
2. Mental Health: The psychological impact of the disaster was profound, with many survivors experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. The loss of family members, homes, and livelihoods exacerbated the mental health crisis.
3. Chronic Diseases: The disruption of healthcare services affected individuals with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and HIV/AIDS, leading to a deterioration in their health status.
