WITH flood waters still high and residual pools becoming the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes and other nasties, clinical director for Goulburn Valley Public Health Unit, Dr Will Cross has issued important advice to assist the community in prevention of flood-related injury and illness.
Following the acute phase of the floods, Dr Cross states it is vital that people continue to avoid entering the water where possible.
Currents in floodwater cause drowning and murky water hides hazardous material and pollutants that can cause serious harm Dr Cross staid, while elaborating, “We have seen several injuries as result of entering flood water and with recent storm it may become contaminated by overflowing sewage, farm or industrial waste and other chemicals.” Bacteria found in floodwater can make you sick or cause infections.”
With the perilous floodwater potentially causing bacterial skin infections and gastroenteritis, Dr Cross unequivocally stated that children should not play in it. For anyone who cannot avoid entering the water, they must immediately wash exposed areas in clean soapy water.
With lingering floodwater breeding mosquitoes, repeated and widespread scratching can break the skin and allow bacteria from nails to enter the blood stream.
In some cases, cellulitis can occur as the skin infection spreads and worsens and requires immediate medical care.
To prevent the worst of mozzie bites, Dr Cross advised taking reasonable precautions such as applying good quality repellent out of doors and by wearing loose and long-sleeved clothing.
During the flood recovery, Dr Cross also said that it is important for people to continue taking their medications as prescribed and should reach out to their health professionals if they are finding it difficult to access their regular medication.
