Beware of Dangerous Diseases during Floods

Bumisuka.com – Beware of Dangerous Diseases during Floods. Flood disasters not only cause fatalities, but can also increase the risk of contracting infectious diseases. This disease can attack the digestive tract and respiratory tract.

To raise awareness about infectious diseases during floods, presents dr. Rika Ramadhani Makatita as a general practitioner at the Tiga Bersaudara Clinic, in the Health Talk program which was broadcast live on Instagram.

1. Flood water is full of disease-causing organisms

Doctor Rika explained that the important thing to know about floods is that the water is dirty. Flood water may have been mixed with other unhygienic objects, such as garbage or sewer water.

The mixed water can contain viruses, bacteria, and other organisms that can cause disease. Therefore, we are advised to avoid contact with flood waters as much as possible.

2. Floods increase cases of diarrhea

according to dr. Rika, one of the most common diseases experienced during floods or the rainy season is diarrhea. This is because infection will more easily occur through the mucosa or deep skin layers, such as the mouth, eyes or nostrils.

During floods, infection is more common through food. Without realizing it, the food we consume may have been exposed to dripping or splashing of unhygienic flood waters.

3. Floods can trigger skin problems

Apart from diarrhea, another common problem that occurs during floods is skin disease. During floods, the humidity level will generally be higher. This can cause disease-causing fungi to develop more easily.

In addition, open wounds exposed to flood waters can be “gates of entry” for disease-causing organisms. An open wound that has contact with flood water may develop pus, hives, or a more severe infection.

4. Be aware of leptospirosis during floods

Another disease that needs to be watched out for during floods is leptospirosis. The disease that once spread to Central Java is a disease caused by Leptospira bacteria. This bacterium is generally spread through rat urine.

Although in Indonesia this disease is mostly spread by rats, dr. Rika said that other animals, such as cats, dogs or sheep can also cause leptospirosis. The spread can be through urine or body fluids of infected animals.

Just like diarrhea, infection can occur through the mucosa or food and drink exposed to Leptospira bacteria.

5. Prevent by using PPE

To prevent disease and infection during floods, dr. Rika said maintaining cleanliness and avoiding contact with flood water is the main key. During a flood, it is recommended to use water-repellent personal protective equipment (PPE).

You can use boots or latex gloves so that the flood water doesn’t get on your skin. If the flood water gets on your skin or other body parts, wash it immediately with clean water so that the flood water doesn’t spread to your food or drink.

Dirty flood water can be a source of various diseases, such as diarrhea, skin disease, or leptospirosis. You can prevent this disease by avoiding direct contact with flood water and always maintaining cleanliness.