KUCHING: Floods can lead to the spread of numerous waterborne diseases, especially due to consuming food and water contaminated with bacteria.
The general symptoms of waterborne diseases include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and fever.
“The common ones include food poisoning caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus, dysentery caused by Shigella bacteria, cholera, typhoid fever, and leptospirosis, among others.
“People are advised to monitor their health for several weeks after the flood, as some diseases do not show any symptoms immediately, such as leptospirosis,” said Public Health Physician Associate Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi.
He added that anyone experiencing prolonged symptoms should seek medical attention, as these can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, requiring hospital admission.
“We should also not forget the risk of dengue, especially after the peak of flood events. Pockets of stagnant water are a breeding ground for mosquitoes,” he added.
Hence, he advised that proper hygiene, including thoroughly washing hands with soap and clean water before eating or preparing food, is a key precaution to reduce the risk of illness.
“Skin infection including fungal infection is also common. Make sure to maintain hand hygiene during and after floods. Most importantly, people should boil tap water before drinking it or drink only from bottled water.
“Avoid playing in floodwater, especially children, as they may accidentally ingest the contaminated water, which often contains sewage and septic waste.
“I’ve seen videos online of people barbequeing in the recent flood. This can lead to cross-contamination, as accidental splashing can occur, and floodwaters often carry harmful bacteria and pollutants,” he said.
Besides, while drowning is the most immediate and life-threatening risk during floods, Dr Helmy said the dangers continue even as floodwaters subside.
“Floodwaters can be deceptively deep, and the undercurrents can be stronger than they look.
“After the water starts to recede, children must be monitored to avoid accidental drownings in leftover pools of water,” he said.
Dr Helmy also warned that floating debris can cause cuts and injuries, and when submerged in mud, it makes wading through floodwaters hazardous.
“Delayed treatment for the cuts can lead to infection, and it can be more severe for people with diabetes.
“It is also important to be cautious of electric shocks. Avoid flooded areas with electrical appliances or downed power lines,” he said.
