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in Bahasa Indonesia
The flooding of housing and industrial areas poses a potential health
risk through contamination of fresh water and housing areas. The following
points should be considered to reduce the health risk of people in areas
affected by floodwater. This list is not comprehensive, but summarizes
key points that should be considered:
- Identification of "clean" and "contaminated" areas in and around
the house can help to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
- Ground water and tap water is likely to be contaminated, and should
not be used for consumption (even when boiled) or brushing of teeth.
Bottled water is safe and should be used instead.
- Use boiled or bottled water to rinse hands after washing and before
preparing food.
- Children should not play in areas affected by floodwater. These
areas remain contaminated and require adequate decontamination. Floors
and walls inside the house should be cleaned with disinfectant agents.
- Toys should be washed and disinfected, soft toys that have the
potential to become a growth medium for bacteria and fungus/mould should
be discarded.
- Personal hygiene should be taken very seriously, and toilets and
showers regularly cleaned with disinfectants.
- Most waterborne diseases are transmitted through the faecal - oral
route, food preparation in flooded areas is particularly likely to cause
this transmission cycle.
- Food that has come into contact with floodwater is not safe for
consumption, and should be discarded.
- Avoid consumption of uncooked vegetables.
- Rodents and flies frequently transmit waterborne diseases, keep
stored food out of reach for potential contamination and cover prepared
food adequately before it is served.
- Storing already prepared food over longer periods of time should
be avoided whenever possible.
- Don't reach blindly into dark corners and cupboards as they may
be refuge for distressed animals, such as rodents, insects and domestic
pets.
- If walking through water, firm footwear with hard soles should
be worn. New holes and debris submerged under water must be anticipated.
Floating and submerged debris as well as wet and slippery floors and
underwater holes can lead to serious injuries.
Diseases and Injuries Associated with floods
Floodwater contains infectious materials that can cause various diseases
and in particular of the gastro-intestinal tract and skin.
- Typhoid fever
- Dysentery (Salmonella, Shigellosis, Campylobacter)
- Hepatitis-A
- Cholera
- Contact dermatitis and skin infections
- Conjunctivitis
- Cuts and bruises through sharp articles and holes submerged under
water
- Electric shock and electrical burns
- Bites and stings from distressed rodents and insects drawn out
from their usual habitat
- Bites from distressed domestic pets
- Upper respiratory tract infections
Any injury to the skin should be carefully disinfected and a dressing
applied. Dirty and wet environments make it very likely for wounds to become
infected, and wound healing is often delayed. The prolonged use of rubber
boots can lead to foot sores and fungal infections. During the
first month following the flood, cases of vector borne diseases, such
as Malaria and Dengue fever tend to increase. Vector control and prevention
of mosquito bites are crucial during that time.
Our appreciation to Dr. Paul Vandewalle of International
SOS, An AEA Company who researched and contributed this article
in response to an inquiries about floodwater-related health threats in
Indonesia. |
