5 Diseases To Be Cautious About After Floods

The aftermath of floods involve emotional distress and one must be wary about diseases too. Arm yourself with knowledge about the diseases you should be cautious about:

Leptospirosis

Also known as rat fever, it is transmitted in water containing infected urine from rodents and other animals. The bacteria enter the body through cracks or broken skin on the feet. Normally, it causes headache, muscle pain, jaundice and diarrhoea. It can be treated with common antibiotics.

Vector-borne diseases

Standing water caused by floods can act as breeding sites for mosquitoes leading to infections such as dengue or malaria. Symptoms include aching muscles and joints, body rash that can disappear and then reappear and high fever among others. Malaria is treated using anti-malarial drugs and dengue treatment includes fluids and pain relievers. Severe cases require hospital care.

Respiratory infections

The symptoms include cough, congestion, runny nose and fever among others. The viruses associated with respiratory infection spread when there is a lack of hygiene.  Medications may be given to manage symptoms.

Dysentery

If there is a chance that food and water are contaminated, one must be wary of dysentery. The symptoms include abdominal pain, cramps and bloody diarrhoea. Treatment may include increased rehydration solutions, IV fluids and antibiotics.

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is contracted by drinking or eating contaminated food or water. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stomach pain, weakness, vomiting and loose stools. Treatment includes antibiotics and fluid.

Preventive Measures To Be Taken After A Flood

• Always wash your hands with soap and clean water. Maintaining hygiene is of utmost importance to avoid ailments.
• Don’t allow children to play in flood-water areas as there is a risk of contamination.
• Apply mosquito-repellent cream. This can reduce the risk of diseases where mosquitoes act as carriers.
• If flood water has seeped into your home, it is advisable to wear gloves and rubber boots while cleaning.
• Avoid areas where power lines may have fallen. There might be a chance of electrocution.

[av_promobox button='yes' label='Read More' link='https://blogs.medibuddy.in/malaria-symptoms-prevention-mosquitoes/' link_target='' color='blue' custom_bg='#f00' custom_font='#ffffff' size='large' icon_select='no' icon='ue800' font='entypo-fontello']Malaria is one of the ailments to watch out for after a flood. Keep yourself informed about how to stop malaria.[/av_promobox]