Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness
Volume 10 – Issue 02 – April 2016

http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayIssue?jid=DMP&tab=currentissue

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Concepts in Disaster Medicine
The Waterless Portable Private Toilet: An Innovative Sanitation Solution in Disaster Zones
Yongkyun Kim, Shervin Hashemi, Mooyoung Han, Tschungil Kim and Hong-Gyoo Sohn
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2015.166 (About DOI), Published online: 19 January 2016
Abstract
Catastrophes can occur without warning and inevitably cause short-term and long-term problems. In disaster zones, having an action plan to alleviate difficulties can reduce or prevent many long-lasting complications. One of the most critical and urgent issues is sanitation. Water, energy, personnel, transportation, and the allocation of resources in disaster areas tend to become very limited during emergencies. Sanitation systems suffer in the process, potentially leading to crises due to unsafe and unhygienic surroundings. This article explores the problems of current sanitation practices in disaster areas and identifies the essential characteristics of sustainable sanitation systems. This study also presents a plan for an innovative and sustainable sanitation system using a waterless, portable, private toilet, in addition to a procedure for collecting and disposing waste. The system is agronomic, is socially acceptable, prevents contact with human waste, and can be used for individuals or families. Environmental pollution and social problems (such as sexual harassment) can be reduced both during and after restoration. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:281–285)

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Editorial
Zika: Defining the Public Health and Exposing its Vulnerabilities
Frederick M. Burkle, Jr.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2016.27 (About DOI), Published online: 08 March 2016
[No abstract]

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Commentary
US Public Health Preparedness for Zika and Other Threats Remains Vulnerable
Jeffrey S. Duchin
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2016.26 (About DOI), Published online: 08 March 2016
Abstract
The unanticipated global outbreak of Zika virus infection is the most current but certainly not the last emerging infectious disease challenge to confront the US public heath system. Despite a number of such threats in recent years, significant gaps remain in core areas of public health system readiness. Stable, sustained investments are required to establish a solid foundation for achieving necessary national public health emergency preparedness and response capacity. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:298–299)