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How To Prevent Yourself From Getting Water-Borne Diseases From The Flood

How To Prevent Yourself From Getting Water-Borne Diseases From The Flood

Floodwaters contain a host of contaminants such as septic tank wastes and animal carcasses.

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Although the floodwaters are beginning to recede in some areas, they can still prove to be a public health hazard.

Other than harbouring germs and bacteria in the water, the murky waters might hide sharp and broken objects underwater.

According to the Health Ministry, the diseases often diagnosed from flood victims are typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis A, dysentery, leptospirosis and food poisoning.

In order to keep your family and yourself as safe as possible, here are some tips by the Health Ministry to protect everyone from injuries and water-borne diseases:

1. Don’t play in floodwaters

Some children find it tempting to jump into the floodwaters to play but it’s not safe to do so.

Other than increasing the risk of getting water-borne diseases and drowning, there could be wild animals such as monitor lizards and snakes swimming around too.

2. Wear a lifejacket

You may be a strong swimmer in the swimming pool but it won’t help much when you’re in a large body of water with unpredictable currents.

It’s still safer to equip yourself with a lifejacket especially if you’re a volunteer trying to help and rescue the flood victims.

Wearing a lifejacket is important. Image: Malay Mail

3. Rinse the whole body with clean water

Once you’re out of the floodwaters, remember to rinse the whole body with clean water and also wash your hands with soap.

4. Don’t use the floodwater for anything

The floodwater is not a flowing stream in the jungle. It’s not safe for drinking and cleaning the body or the house either.

This is because the floodwater contains various contaminants such as animal carcasses and waste from septic tanks.

5. Keep the living areas clean

Insects such as flies and mosquitoes are going to be rampant during this time. The only way to keep them at bay is to keep the areas at home or the evacuation centres clean.

Flies and mosquitoes are not only irritating but they can transmit diseases to humans too. To find out how to keep the living areas free from these bugs, check out the article below.

READ MORE: Why You Should Be Afraid Of Mosquitoes & Flies, Especially After A Flood

Wear gloves while cleaning to protect from cuts. Image: cottonbro/ Pexels

6. Wear protective gear while cleaning

With the waters receding in some areas, many people are starting to clean up their homes.

Before you do, remember to put on protective gear such as gloves and boots to protect yourself from injuries just as cuts.

You still need to wear a mask while cleaning the home because the pandemic is still not over.

READ MORE: 8 Real Tips To Clean Out Your House After A Flood

7. Seek medical attention

Please seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, diarrhoea or vomiting.


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