People line up Tuesday in La Guaira, Venezuela, to receive humanitarian aid after twin earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 on the Richter scale struck June 24. Photo by Xaume Olleros/EPA
July 8 (UPI) -- Two weeks after earthquakes devastated Caracas and La Guaira, Venezuela's emergency entered a new phase that focuses on public health.
As rescue operations wind down, physicians and international organizations are focusing their efforts on preventing displacement of thousands of people, the partial collapse of the healthcare system and deficiencies in water and sanitation from triggering outbreaks of preventable diseases.
The World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization warned that current conditions favor the spread of infectious diseases, particularly in shelters housing thousands of displaced residents.
The main concern is Venezuela's low vaccination rate. Combined with overcrowding and disruptions to health services, the situation increases the risk of outbreaks of diseases such as measles.
