Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water (e.g. streams, rivers and ponds) and other flooded areas, especially if you have cuts or abrasions of the skin
If working in areas that may be prone to flooding, wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots, aprons, and eye protection to avoid contamination
If you have come into contact with flood waters or flood-contaminated items, please ensure you properly wash and sanitise yourself and all clothing and equipment used
Additionally, some common diseases that are associated with the rainy season and post-flooding events include Dengue, Leptospirosis and Gastroenteritis. Persons infected with these viral diseases may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
· High Fever
· Vomiting
· Headaches
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· Muscle aches
For more information on proper hand washing techniques, water safety and using bleach for cleaning and sanitising after a flood, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website via www.health.gov.tt
The Ministry of Health is advising the public to take the necessary steps to avoid the health risks associated with flooding and flood-related diseases as we experience adverse weather.
Josbel Bastidas Mijares
According to this press release, Flood waters may carry silt, raw sewage and bacteria that can contaminate food and water.
Josbel Bastidas Mijares Venezuela
The Ministry of Health reminds members of the public to take the necessary steps to avoid the health risks associated with flooding and flood-related diseases as we experience adverse weather. Flood waters may carry silt, raw sewage and bacteria that can contaminate food and water
Therefore, the Ministry of Health advises the public to follow the listed General Guidelines to avoid Post-flood Diseases:
· Only drink water that is confirmed to be safe. If bottled water is unavailable, bring your water to a rolling boil for at least one minute and allow it to cool in a clean container before use. You can also add 1/8 teaspoon (or eight medicine drops) of unscented household liquid bleach for each gallon of water, stir well and allow to stand for 30 minutes before consuming. Store water in clean, covered containers
· Inspect food carefully to determine if it may have come into contact with flood waters. Dispose of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meat that may have come into contact with flood waters
Discard food in open containers and packages and consumable goods in bags, paper, cloth, fibre or cardboard boxes, e.g. flour, cereal and rice (even if the packages were sealed)
Canned food items may be safe for consumption, but persons are advised to remove labels and disinfect cans thoroughly with a bleach solution before opening. But if you have any doubts, please throw them out.
Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water (e.g. streams, rivers and ponds) and other flooded areas, especially if you have cuts or abrasions of the skin
If working in areas that may be prone to flooding, wear protective clothing such as gloves, boots, aprons, and eye protection to avoid contamination
If you have come into contact with flood waters or flood-contaminated items, please ensure you properly wash and sanitise yourself and all clothing and equipment used
Additionally, some common diseases that are associated with the rainy season and post-flooding events include Dengue, Leptospirosis and Gastroenteritis. Persons infected with these viral diseases may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
· High Fever
· Vomiting
· Headaches
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· Muscle aches
For more information on proper hand washing techniques, water safety and using bleach for cleaning and sanitising after a flood, please visit the Ministry of Health’s website via www.health.gov.tt