Floods
waters not only take a toll of human life, they also leave an aftermath of
illnesses. The health effects of floods can be immediate as well as long-term.
Today we discuss the immediate or acute health effects of flood.
Drowning
Floods create an immediate risk of drowning for everyone. It has been
postulated that two thirds of flood-related deaths worldwide are from drowning
and one third from physical trauma, heart attacks, electrocution, CO poisoning
or fire.
Drowning may occur by falling into fast-flowing water, at times of unknown
depth, including open manholes, crossing flooded rivers or streams, standing on
bridges that might be washed away or driving through flood-water. Driving
through floodwater is risky. Vehicles
do not provide adequate protection from flood waters. They can be swept away or
may stall in moving water. As per the CDC, people in vehicles are at greatest
risk for drowning, while according to the UK health protection agency, 6 inches
of fast-flowing water can knock over an adult, and 2 feet of standing water
will float a car.
Injuries
Walking
through floodwater is dangerous. Sharp objects submerged in the water
can cause injury. Standing waters can hide open manholes and drains, or holes
in the roads or other trip/fall hazards. Flood waters can displace vehicles,
trees and other material, which can cause injury. Building collapse or damage
may also cause injury. Chances of injuries are more when people are trying to
evacuate and move away from the fast approaching water. Types of injuries
include wounds caused by sharp objects and fractures.
Electrocution
There
is a risk of electrocution if water is present anywhere near electrical
circuits and electrical appliances. Submerged fallen power lines or live wires
can electrically charge the standing water.
Communicable
diseases
Although
in the short term, there is limited risk of transmission of communicable
diseases, floods can potentially increase the transmission of:
- Water-borne
diseases, such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A
- Vector-borne
diseases, such as malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika
The
major risk factor for water-borne diseases is drinking from potentially
contaminated water sources. Leptospirosis, a zoonotic bacterial disease can
also be transmitted directly from contaminated water and may cause epidemic.
Infection may be acquired by wading in floodwater or contaminated fresh water,
especially if there is open wound or scratch.
Direct
contact with polluted waters can cause wound infections, dermatitis,
conjunctivitis and ear, nose and throat infections.
Hypothermia
may occur, particularly in children, if trapped in floodwaters for long
periods of time.
Chemical
contamination
Industrial
chemical leaks, gasoline and diesel spills from vehicles, fuel supplies,
pesticides, including household items can contaminate flood water. Carbon
monoxide poisoning may occur due to the use of portable generators or pumps to
remove collected water.
Stress
Psychological
stress manifesting as tearfulness, numbness, tearfulness, numbness, lethargy,
low mood is common.
Other
health effects
- Trench foot, also
known as immersion foot, caused by prolonged exposure of
the feet to wet, unsanitary, and cold conditions.
- Animal and insect
bites may occur as flood waters can displace animals, insects, and
reptiles from their home.
In addition, health risks are also associated with the evacuation of
patients to safer grounds, loss of health workers and/or health infrastructure
including essential drugs and supplies and damage to equipments.
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri Awardee
Vice President CMAAO
Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications
President Heart Care Foundation of India
Immediate Past National President IMA
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