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Non-communicable health risks during mass gatherings
Robert Steffen1, Abderrezak Bouchama, Anders Johansson
1Division of Epidemiology and Prevention of Communicable Diseases, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Zurich, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Hirschengraben 84/E29, Zurich, Switzerland. roste@ifspm.uzh.ch
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases
|January 19, 2012
Summary
Mass gatherings pose significant public health risks, with stampedes and heat illness causing fatalities. Understanding these risks is crucial for effective public health interventions and planning.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Emergency Medicine
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Mass gatherings (MGs) present complex public health challenges due to potential for high morbidity and mortality.
- Risks include non-communicable diseases, accidents, and terrorist attacks, necessitating robust health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess health risks and public health responses associated with MGs.
- To identify an evidence-based framework for public health interventions at MGs.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on health risks and interventions during MGs.
- Identification of key factors influencing health outcomes, including infrastructure, crowd dynamics, and environmental conditions.
Main Results:
- Human stampedes and heat-related illnesses are primary causes of mortality at MGs.
- Minor traumatic injuries and medical complaints are significant contributors to morbidity and on-site medical care needs.
- Validated predictive models for medical resource deployment are currently lacking.
Conclusions:
- Identifying mortality and morbidity risks is essential for MGs.
- Efficient public health interventions need to be implemented.
- Further research is required on non-communicable disease risks during MGs.
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