Lower Temperatures Linked to Increased Gastroenteritis in Rohingya Refugee Camps

A recent investigation conducted by researchers at Hokkaido University has revealed a significant correlation between colder temperatures and the heightened risk of gastroenteritis among the Rohingya refugee population residing in Bangladesh's Kutupalong and Nayapara camps. Gastroenteritis, characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

This study, published in JAMA Network Open, represents the first effort to assess the impact of temperature fluctuations on gastrointestinal illnesses within displaced populations, underscoring the urgent need for improved health strategies that address climate-related risks for these vulnerable communities.

The Rohingya, one of the largest stateless groups globally, account for a significant portion of the world's stateless individuals. Bangladesh has accommodated multiple waves of Rohingya refugees since 1948, with a notable influx occurring in 2021 amid escalating conflicts in Myanmar. Currently, approximately 918,898 Rohingya individuals reside in 34 camps in Cox's Bazar, where overcrowding exacerbates public health issues, with population densities reaching up to 60,000 individuals per square kilometer.

Given these conditions, infectious diseases, including respiratory infections, viral fevers, and diarrhea, are rampant due to inadequate sanitation, reliance on contaminated water sources, and limited access to clean water, particularly during dry periods.

The research analyzed data from over 64,000 gastroenteritis cases documented in clinics operated by the UNHCR between 2019 and 2021, establishing a clear link between temperature variations and the incidence of gastroenteritis.

In the Kutupalong camp, findings indicated that the risk of gastroenteritis increased both at temperatures that fell below and rose above the baseline of 26°C, implying that both extreme cold and heat contribute to an increased number of gastroenteritis cases. Conversely, in Nayapara, a steady rise in gastroenteritis risk was noted as temperatures decreased, lacking a distinct threshold.

Notably, the study identified a delayed effect of colder temperatures on gastroenteritis cases, with peak occurrences happening approximately 18 days following exposure to lower temperatures. This pattern was consistent across both camps.

Research indicates that viral gastroenteritis, often triggered by pathogens like norovirus and rotavirus, tends to be more prevalent during colder months, lasting up to two weeks. In contrast, warmer conditions are conducive to bacterial infections, such as those caused by Salmonella and Campylobacter, typically resulting in shorter illness durations.

The implications of this study highlight the detrimental impact of climate change on global health, particularly for refugee populations. As displacement continues to rise, it becomes increasingly critical to understand how weather patterns influence disease risks within these communities.

Experts are calling for enhanced focus and action to bolster the climate resilience of health systems serving vulnerable populations. The ongoing growth of the Rohingya refugee population necessitates immediate measures from policymakers and humanitarian organizations to ensure that these communities receive the necessary resources and support to adapt to the unpredictable effects of climate change.