Cases of Illness in Derna: Has an Epidemic Broken Out?

A number of journalists still in Derna reported that cases of illness are being recorded in the city, particularly among Libyan army personnel, with the sick being transferred to hospitals to determine the causes of their deteriorating health. United Nations agencies warned that the flood-stricken city of Derna, which has seen thousands of deaths, faces the risk of disease outbreaks that could lead to a "devastating second crisis." The United Nations Support Mission in Libya stated that "teams from nine UN agencies have been deployed on the ground in recent days to provide aid and support to those affected by Hurricane Daniel and the floods." Meanwhile, the Emergency Committee of the Libyan government, appointed by parliament, denied the spread of epidemics in the flood-affected areas.