How to prevent emerging diseases from flooding?

Floods cause serious health problems, which not only occur at the time of the flood, but also continue until the waters recede and those affected return to their homes.

The waters can cause the destruction of buildings and homes, the interruption of public services (electricity, gas and drinking water), flooding, contamination of drinking water, deterioration of stored food, death of livestock and destruction of crops. All of this represents a risk of short- and long-term illness.

Damaged or destroyed homes leave their occupants out in the open, sometimes in less than favourable weather conditions, or at best, they must be housed in emergency centres for mass accommodation. Damaged food or food spoilage can lead to nutritional deficiencies at the very least.

The health and epidemiological consequences include contamination of water sources, migration of rodents into homes, and the formation of stagnant water pools, which facilitate the reproduction of mosquitoes and other vectors.

The most common diseases contracted are tetanus, hepatitis A, cholera, influenza, pneumonia, diarrhea, leptospirosis, meningitis, pediculosis, scabies, dengue, malaria and other diseases caused by cold weather. These diseases, in addition to the possibilities of electrocution, cuts, and drowning, represent an increase in general health care needs in various health centers.

After the weather situation has calmed down, the following should be considered:

• Do not return to the flood-affected area until recommended by authorities.
• Actively collaborate to restore the community to its normal conditions.
• Drink potable water and boil it if in doubt.
• Carefully inspect the home and surroundings. Detect and report damage, especially to basic services (water, electricity, roads, bridges, etc.) or other anomalies caused by flooding.

Water quality
Listen for public notices on the safety of your drinking water supply. Private water wells will need to be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede.

Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Some general rules regarding water for drinking and cooking include:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, prepare food or make ice.
• If the source of the bottled water is unknown, boil it anyway.
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Water should be boiled for two minutes after the boiling point.
• Carry out these actions (boil or drink bottled water), even if your area has not been affected by flooding, since the water coming from the water treatment plant is not necessarily in the right condition for consumption.

In relation to food:

• Do not eat any food that may have come in contact with flood water.
• Discard any unpackaged food that may have come into contact with flood water.
• Undamaged, commercially preserved foods can be consumed if the label is removed, the bottom of the can is washed thoroughly and the cans are disinfected.
• Food containers with screw-on or pressure-sealed lids should be discarded if they have been in contact with flood water because they cannot be disinfected.
• For children, use pre-prepared canned foods that do not require added water.
• Only consume refrigerated or frozen foods that have maintained their temperature during the floods. It is worth noting that a refrigerator keeps food fresh for about 4 hours if it is not opened.

Sanitation and hygiene
It is really important to practice basic hygiene during the emergency period. Don't forget to wash your hands with soap and water, when:

• He is going to prepare some food to eat.
• After using the bathroom.
• After participating in general flood cleanup activities
• After handling items contaminated with flood water or sewage.

Flood waters may contain fecal matter from overflowing sewage systems, as well as agricultural and industrial byproducts. Although skin contact with flood water does not in itself pose a health risk, there is some danger in eating or drinking any food or beverage that has come into contact with this water.

If you have open wounds or cuts that will be exposed to flood water, keep them as clean as possible by washing them with soap and water to control infection. If they become red, swollen or draining, seek immediate medical attention.