SolveYourProblem Article Series: Floods
Flood Facts, Tips and Safety Protocols

The Threat of Disease After A Flood

One aspect of a major flood event is the threat of communicable disease. If flooding is extensive and prolonged, there is a possibility of such diseases as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A - which are all water borne. Diseases that could be transmitted by insects include malaria, dengue and West Nile Fever and are called Vector-borne diseases. They may also be indirectly caused by floods.

With water borne diseases, the risk of infection to the population can be low if there is no major population displacement and if the source of the communities drinking water remains uncontaminated. In the event of a major flood it will be important to ascertain as soon as possible from the local authorities if the the water supply is safe to drink. In 1993, flooding in Iowa and Missouri resulted in the source of drinking water becoming polluted. However, the disaster response was able to focus on this immediately and the risk was minimized. If in any doubt, it is advisable to stick to bottled water and that is why the government suggests stockpiling enough water to enable each member of a family to last at least 72 hours.

At issue as well is the potential for people to become infected by contaminated water through open cuts and sores. Sensitive areas such as the ears, nose and throat can be easily affected. Again it is up to each individual to guard against or at the very least limit exposure to water that may be infected. This issue, however, is not considered to be of an epidemic sort.

Vector borne diseases are encouraged through standing water that allows insects such as mosquitoes to breed. While flooding may act initially to clear an area of breeding insects they usually return as the water slows down and begins to recede. If the water remains for 6 to 8 weeks this is enough time for the insects to grow. If the flooding is to such an extent that large amounts of people are displaced and as a result spending more time outside and exposed to mosquitoes this can be a serious issue. Prior to the 2005 flooding of New Orleans, this would not have seemed to be such a possibility for our western civilization. As we came to understand, there are some catastrophes where the government will not be able to meet the needs of an affected population. It then becomes necessary to understand how communicable diseases can quickly spread - and inform ourselves on what we can do to protect our families.

Sadly there remains the occurrence of health issues caused by corpses that may be in the water. Although the World Health Organization states that there is no risk of 'epidemic disease' caused by this event because most active agents do not survive long in the human body after death (with the exception apparently of HIV that can last up to 6 days) there is still some risk for workers who must handle a number of corpses. These include Tuberculosis, some blood borne viruses, such as Hepatitis A and gastrointestinal infections.

Nothing can quite prepare you for all the dangers and risks associated with a major disaster. However, as you try to inform yourself on these issues, keep in mind that clear thinking and common sense can go a long ways in keeping you safe.

Emergencies and disasters can happen anytime, anywhere without warning. Protect yourself and your family. Click to see valuable emergency preparedness supplies and information. Be ready. Be prepared. I love this website. It's my SolveYourProblem recommendation.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2009

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