'Katrina Cough' Lingers in the Wake of Hurricane

NEWS LINES
A large number of people along the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts are developing a condition dubbed "Katrina cough,'' believed to be linked to mold and dust circulating in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the LOS ANGELES TIMES reports on Friday.

NEWS BYTES
'Katrina Cough' Floats Around
The storm's residual mold and muck may be causing respiratory illnesses in people who have returned home.

NEW ORLEANS — A large number of people along the Louisiana and Mississippi coasts are developing a condition that some have dubbed "Katrina cough," believed to be linked to mold and dust circulating after Hurricane Katrina. Read full story.

"Katrina Cough" and a Call for Respirators
Residents and responders alike in parts of New Orleans appear to be suffering from a respiratory ailment some are dubbing "Katrina Cough," and Physicians for Social Responsibility – Louisiana are requesting donations of respirators for returning residents and workers.

While physicians in the area say that they do not want to alarm residents unnecessarily, Dr. Kevin Jordan, director of medical affairs at Touro Infirmary and Memorial Medical Center in New Orleans, told the Los Angeles Times that the hospital had seen at least a 25 percent increase in complaints such as sinus headaches, congestion, runny noses and sore throats since Katrina. Many of the symptoms are probably allergy related, say doctors, because people are exposed to dust and mold while trying to repair and clean homes and businesses. Read full story.

JAMA -- Infectious Disease and Dermatologic Conditions in Evacuees and Rescue Workers After Hurricane Katrina—Multiple States, August-September, 2005

Tension: Hacking cough
Gravity: Spreading

Topics: News, Gulf Coast, Hurricane, tropical storm, Wilma, tropical storm, Politics, Katrina, Louisiana, New Orleans, Mississippi