Flood clean-up presents potential for health risks

The worst of the flooding may be over in Greene County, but the recovery process will continue for some time to come.

While homeowners, business people, farmers, volunteers and others work to put things back in order again, they should be aware of the health risks associated with the aftermath of a flood and take a number of safety precautions.

Though floodwater has receded off the roadways, it remains in many fields, backyards and basements and is still dangerous to our health. It's also a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Floodwater may be contaminated with raw sewage as well as oil, chemicals, water-borne diseases and all manner of things that have floated downstream. Children should never play in floodwater, people must not drink floodwater and everyone should avoid getting it into eyes, nose and mouth.

Once the clean-up begins, keep in mind that much contamination is left behind.

State health officials say they are receiving reports of people who have been around floodwater experiencing skin rashes. They are advising individuals who develop a skin rash to keep the affected area clean and dry and if the rash worsens, seek medical attention.

People who have been in flooded areas, during the flood or during cleanup efforts, should thoroughly wash any cuts, scrapes, scratches or other skin injuries with soap and water and apply an antiseptic and bandages to make sure they do not become infected.

Injuries that have been exposed to floodwater and debris during the clean-up should be closely watched for signs of infection like redness, swelling, pain and drainage. Seek medical attention right away if those symptoms develop.

During cleanup efforts state health officials recommend these precautions:

* Keep children and pets out of affected areas until cleanup is complete.

* Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves and goggles during cleanup.

* Have on-site waste-water systems professionally inspected and serviced if damage is suspected.

* Wash all clothes worn during cleanup in hot water and detergent. These clothes should be washed separately from uncontaminated clothes and linens.

* After working on cleanup, wash your hands with soap and warm water. Use water that has been boiled for one minute or use water that has been disinfected for personal hygiene use (a solution of 1/8 teaspoon of household bleach per one gallon of water). If using boiled water, let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy, use 1/4 teaspoon of household bleach per one gallon of water.

* Seek immediate attention if you become injured or ill.

* Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic) regardless of activity level.

* Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and by using a sunscreen.

* Make sure you are up-to-date on your tetanus immunizations. For people who sustained wounds during the flooding or had injuries exposed to floodwater, a tetanus booster may be appropriate if they have not received one within the last five years. Tetanus vaccines will not be available at the one-stop state disaster recovery centers but they are available from primary health care providers and at the Greene County Health Department. Tetanus is an acute, often fatal, disease caused by bacteria that lives in soil and in animal feces. Symptoms of tetanus include generalized rigidity and painful spasms of skeletal muscles. The muscle stiffness usually involves the jaw (lockjaw) and neck and then becomes more generalized. Any type of wound, major or minor, could be an entry source for the tetanus organism.

Since untreated sanitary waste may have ended in waterways and on streets, wells and cisterns in flooded areas may also have been affected. Wells that are located in a flooded area should be assumed to be contaminated and health officials recommend people discontinue use of well water until it has been inspected or tested.

Health officials caution that even after water recedes, E. coli and other pathogens remain present in pools of standing water.

Remaining standing water on properties is also the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus.

To combat the mosquito problem, state health officials recommend people dispose of old tires, tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or other unused containers that can hold water; repair failed septic systems; keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed; and clean clogged roof gutters, particularly if leaves tend to plug up the drains. When outdoors, people should apply insect repellent containing DEET, Picardin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothes and exposed skin to protect themselves from being bitten by a mosquito.