These are mainly caused by pathogenic micro-organisms that are commonly transmitted through contaminated fresh water.Avoid wading or swimming in potentially contaminated water bodies (pools, ponds or rivers).Use mosquito repellents that are safe for children and pregnant women. Late admissions often lead to complications and in a few cases they even prove to be fatal. It’s also important to visit a doctor to ascertain that you aren’t infected..Are the water borne diseases debilitating?Yes, waterborne diseases contracted after flooding are very debilitating.5 million human deaths annually. Hence, heavy-duty water-logging in major cities of India seen during the monsoons every year raises the concern for the emergence of these diseases.Drink water of certified purity, and ensure that your water purifiers are serviced regularly.Wear full-sleeved clothes Wholesale Handheld Shower Head to decrease the possibility of mosquito bites.Staying in a cool room may help, considering that mosquitoes prefer warm environs.Cover skin lesions with waterproof bandages while navigating through flooded streets to prevent infection by bacteria and other pathogens.
Drain stagnant water which aids breeding of mosquitoes whenever possible. Hand-washing must be done regularly.What are the waterborne diseases that people suffer from once the flood waters recede?The waterborne diseases are sporadic cholera, dysentery, typhoid, malaria, chikungunya, dengue, flu and leptospirosis. People must wash their hands regularly when they touch any surface in these areas as it can contain bacteria and viruses. Prioritise the use of mosquito nets. Anish Anand, consultant, internal medicine, Apollo Hospitals, answers some basic questions about these diseases and how to prevent and cure them.In fact, waterborne diseases account for 3. Infections tend to occur while drinking the infected water and consuming food cooked in it.6 per cent of the global burden of diseases and cause about 1.Similarly, those who suffer from malaria, chikungunya and dengue have to come to the hospital early for proper medical management. Alert the government authorities about the same. What are the preventive measures that people must take and for how long?To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, water should not be allowed to stagnate; people should consume boiled or packaged water to prevent waterborne diseases.Tips on how to deal with monsoon woesAs a precautionary measure, T Doxycycline (100 mg) may be taken twice a day immediately after coming in contact with contaminated water. Apart from being cleaned properly, there is also a need to use disinfectants if the silt is from the gutters.Disinfect contaminated areas such as stables and abattoirs whenever possible.For people who wade in knee-deep waters or walk for hours in water, what are the symptoms to be alert to?They should see whether they are feeling feverish, have rashes, an upset stomach or any other symptoms of illness. One of the most widely-occurring illnesses is the waterborne diarrheal disease. Dr J. When people wade through flooded streets, there is a high possibility of being infected with the waterborne bacteria.
Leptospirosis is caused by leptospira bacteria present in the urine and faecal matter of animals like rats, dogs and cattle. There are various pathogens and micro-organisms in this silt.Are people in low-lying areas with muck and silt outside their homes at a risk? What are the precautions they must take?Muck and silt, which are found inside homes as well, have to be cleaned properly as they increase the risk of infections. Spraying of insecticides and pesticides is important at points where the water stagnates.Shower after exposure to contaminated surfaces, soil or water; clean wounds frequently. Those with wounds or cracked skin are particularly susceptible to the disease.If your fever persists for more than five days, consult a doctor immediately. In the case of sporadic cholera, hospital admission is required and constant rehydration of the body is a must.Due to the recent flooding of several Indian cities and heavy rains in many other parts of the country, there is a major risk of contracting waterborne diseases. So, it is important to clean the area and allow it to dry.
