Lorraine Williamson
A significant increase in gastrointestinal infections among children has been reported in areas worst affected by the October 2024 floods in Valencia. The findings, presented at the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) annual congress, come from a study carried out by Valencia’s Hospital La Fe.
The research focused on three municipalities—Paiporta, Picaña, and Torrent—where flood damage was severe. According to the study, 55 children were diagnosed with acute gastrointestinal infections in the two months following the disaster. Over 60% of these cases were linked to bacterial pathogens. This contrasts sharply with non-flooded areas, where similar infections were recorded in just over 12% of cases.
Co-infections point to environmental contamination
Lead researcher and pediatrician María Garcés Sánchez confirmed a strong correlation between the flooding and infection rates. She pointed to contaminated water sources and failures in the sewage system as major contributors.
Of particular concern was the presence of co-infections—multiple bacteria detected in over a third of infected children. In comparison, such cases were rare in unaffected towns. “These bacteria can be ingested through contaminated food or unwashed hands,” Garcés explained. Young children, often in close contact with the ground and less likely to wash their hands thoroughly, are particularly at risk.
The researchers believe many cases went unreported, especially those with milder symptoms not requiring hospital visits. “Co-infections complicate diagnosis and treatment,” Garcés added. “And children’s developing immune systems make them especially vulnerable.”
Call for better hygiene and infrastructure
The study highlights the urgent need for improved hygiene protocols and enhanced infrastructure resilience. Garcés warned that similar events will become more frequent with climate change. “We must not wait for another flood before acting,” she said. Improved sanitation, clean water access, and emergency response planning are key priorities.
Long-term impact on mental health under review
In parallel, AEP has launched a five-year study—Project RESIA—examining the psychological and physical toll on children exposed to the floods. Early findings from heavily impacted towns like Catarroja and Sedaví show increased levels of anxiety, disturbed sleep, and emotional stress.
Juan Antonio Ortega, environmental health coordinator at AEP, stressed the importance of emotional support: “We’ve seen children express fear and feel ignored. These emotional wounds take time to heal.”
Schools seen as crucial to recovery
Schools are playing a vital role in supporting recovery. As places where children regain routine and safety, they’re seen as essential in helping communities rebuild. Parent associations and teachers are working closely with health professionals to monitor well-being and encourage resilience.
The study, comparing affected children with peers from flood-free Xàtiva, will release its first set of results in 2025. These are expected to guide future emergency responses, healthcare strategies, and school policies across Spain.
A first in Spanish public health research
This is the first large-scale Spanish study linking bacterial infections in children directly to a natural disaster. The research highlights how climate-related events can carry serious public health consequences. It also makes the case for long-term planning, particularly in protecting vulnerable populations like children.
Sources: El País, Cadena Ser