Flood waters can be source of infectious disease

The ministry is also advising that flood waters can be the source of many infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries and, therefore, urges the public to avoid walking, working or playing in floodwaters.  Exposure to contaminated floodwater can cause wound infections, skin rashes, stomach illnesses, tetanus and waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A.   The public is also advised that as a result of increased rains and floods, breeding sites for mosquitoes will also increase as a result of stagnant water. All persons living or going into the affected areas must exercise caution to prevent mosquito bites, which could cause dengue and other vector-borne diseases. Everyone is asked to protect themselves by using long-sleeved clothing and long pants, using mosquito repellent and mosquito coils, and ensuring windows are properly screened or closed before nightfall. Where possible, communities are asked to clean their surroundings and remove containers with standing water that can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.