Kumamoto earthquake evacuees show high rates of blood clots

Medical teams conducting screenings for evacuees following the Kumamoto earthquake have identified a high prevalence of blood clots, a condition known as economy class syndrome. A screening of 247 evacuees by the Japan Medical Association’s Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) revealed that 10.5% of participants had blood clots. In one instance, two individuals were rushed to the hospital due to suspected clots reaching the lungs.

Experts, including Professor Kazuhiko Haruzawa of Niigata University, attribute the increased risk to environmental factors in evacuation centers. These include lack of physical activity, extreme heat, water shortages leading to dehydration, and insufficient bedding. The prevalence of clots found in these evacuees is significantly higher than the approximately 4% typically seen in the general population.

To mitigate the risk of disaster-related deaths, Kumamoto Prefecture is promoting secondary evacuation to local accommodation facilities. Authorities are also deploying public health nurses and police officers to monitor the health of residents in evacuation centers and encourage regular movement and hydration.