Flooding not only poses a danger to our houses, but can also pose an acute danger to life. And not only do collapsing buildings endanger our health, the water itself can also be contaminated with germs. We explain how you can protect yourself from infectious diseases caused by flooding.
Flooding can not only destroy livelihoods by taking those affected home, it also poses an acute health hazard. And not just because people can die from collapsed buildings and currents – the water can also transport germs and toxins and thus infectious diseases cause.
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Therefore, there is a risk of infection during floods
Even if the most important thing in the event of a flood is saving human lives, those affected and helpers should be aware of the dangers that also lurk after the clean-up work. Because the flood water can contain environmental and faecal germs, the residues of which can get into the drinking water and thus pose a danger if germs enter the body via the water or come into contact with open wounds. When floods occur, there is a risk that the sewer systems will be overloaded and destroyed, which means that the wastewater, together with faecal germs, gets into the drinking water of a region. Anyone who comes into contact with the water can become infected with diarrheal diseases , for example . Due to the swollen earth in the floodtetanus bacteria , which are mainly found in the soil. If you come into contact with someone who has not formed antibodies, you can trigger life-threatening tetanus. Contaminated water can also contain hepatitis A viruses , which can cause liver inflammation in the body. The longer the contaminated water stands, the worse the germ load. Anyone who comes into contact with the water without protective clothing and vaccinations exposes themselves to a health risk.
Floods: How to protect yourself from infectious diseases
Since there is a risk of infection for those affected, helpers and emergency services, it is important to consider a few things to protect yourself after a flood disaster. These include the following:
- Do not drink the tap water without boiling it first
- When cleaning up skin injuries , avoid letting the wound come into contact with the water
- Dress appropriately: wear rubber boots and, if possible, waterproof clothing that protects your skin from the water
- Avoid swallowing water due to the risk of gastrointestinal infections and hepatitis A
- Do not wash food or other items in contaminated water
- Check your tetanus vaccination protection – this is especially true for people who regularly have contact with contaminated water, for example at work
Important : Even small amounts of water can present a hazard. For example, if you smoke and touch the cigarette with dirty fingers, you risk germs getting into your mouth. The same goes for food. Always remember to wash and disinfect your hands after contact with the water.
Caution should be exercised even in the event of slight flooding
Even slight flooding, which occurs from time to time in various areas of Germany, can lead to bathing lakes becoming polluted. If in doubt, find out more about the water quality from the health department or environmental agency in your area. Also, be aware of any warnings that may exist regarding drinking water quality. If there is a warning, tap water should always be boiled.
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