Flood Health
Common Illnesses from Exposure to Flood Water
- Skin and tissue infections following superficial cuts, scratches, abrasions, or insect bites.
- Deep tissue infections following puncture wounds or trauma.
- Gastrointestinal illnesses following ingestion of contaminated water or food.
- Infectious hepatitis or aseptic meningitis from viruses in sewage contaminated water.
- Leptospirosis following exposure to flood waters contaminated by animal urine.
Prevention of Flood-Related Illnesses
- Avoid prolonged exposure to flood water.
- Wear protective gloves, boots, and eyewear.
- Work cautiously, rest frequently and eat a balanced diet.
- Bathe or shower in clean water as soon as possible after exposure to flood water.
- Wash clothing before wearing it again.
- Use insect repellents to discourage biting insects.
Safe Drinking Water Options
- Obtain water from a known safe public water supply or buy bottled water.
- Haul and store drinking water in clean containers (not old milk or juice jugs).
- Clear water may be treated for drinking by boiling it for 2 minutes or by adding 2-3 drops of unscented household bleach per gallon.
Food Safety Tips
- Discard all containers with signs of leakage or damage.
- Foods in paper, cardboard, or flexible plastic must be thrown away.
- Discard foods in corked bottles, canisters, and screw-capped jars or bottles.
- Canned goods may be sanitized and used if the label is removed, the can is washed in hot, soapy water, and the item is identified with a permanent marking pen.
- Solutions containing chlorine bleach are not recommended for cleaning cans because they accelerate rusting.
- Garden produce covered by flood water longer than two days cannot be salvaged.
- Leafy vegetables cannot be washed adequately to be eaten raw.
- Broccoli, cauliflower, etc., may be rinsed in a solution of household bleach (2 tablespoons per gallon of water) and peeled or scraped before cooking.
- Thawed foods should not be refrozen.
