25/09/2025
Health Hazards After the Flood: A Simple Guide to Staying Safe
After floodwaters recede, the environment often poses hidden health risks. Contaminated water and new breeding grounds for pests can lead to several types of illnesses. As a community, we need to be vigilant. Here's what you need to know and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your family.
1. Water and Foodborne Diseases (Intestinal Infectious Diseases)
Floodwater can easily contaminate drinking water sources and food supplies, significantly increasing the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses. Common culprits include cholera, typhoid fever, bacillary dysentery, and Hepatitis A.
How to Prevent Infection:
Water Safety: Boil tap water thoroughly before drinking. If you have any doubts about your water source, use bottled water.
Food Safety: Do not eat raw food. All food must be cooked completely (well-done). Keep food and cooking utensils away from all floodwater or contamination.
Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after any contact with floodwater or sewage.
Seek Care: If you develop symptoms like fever, diarrhea, vomiting, skin rash, or wound infection after a flood, see a doctor immediately. Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about your exposure to flood or sewage water.
2. Mosquito-Borne Diseases (Vector-Borne Diseases)
Standing water in containers creates ideal breeding sites for mosquitoes. Following a flood, the mosquito population can boom, raising the risk of diseases like Dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, and Chikungunya fever.
How to Prevent Infection:
Eliminate Standing Water: Thoroughly check inside and outside your home and eliminate all sources of standing water. This includes flowerpot saucers, old tires, buckets, and any other containers.
Personal Protection: Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves and long pants, and ensure your home has intact window and door screens.
Keep It Dry: Maintain a clean and dry living environment.
3. Skin and Respiratory Ailments
Exposure to contaminated floodwater or environments can lead to serious skin and respiratory infections. This includes:
Leptospirosis and Melioidosis: Diseases transmitted by direct contact with contaminated water or soil.
Fungal Infections and Athlete's Foot: Often caused by prolonged exposure to damp conditions or being soaked in water.
How to Prevent Infection:
Avoid Wading: Minimize contact with floodwater as much as possible. If you must walk through water, wear rain boots or waterproof shoes. Always wash and thoroughly dry your feet afterward.
Wear Protective Gear: When cleaning your home, always wear a mask, gloves, and boots to protect yourself.
Care for Wounds: If you have any open wounds, keep them away from floodwater. Clean and disinfect any wounds immediately after they are exposed to water or dirt.
Stay safe and healthy during the cleanup effort!
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