Learn How to Avoid Getting Sick During the Flood Season

This summer Mark as heavy rain this often causes flood and flood In this case, many diseases are spread by contact sewage They look like leptospirosis and are caused by exposure to rat urine.

The prevalence of cases of dengue, Zika and chikungunya, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is also a concern and increases at this time of year.

Specialists at Alemao Oswaldo Cruz Hospital Guidance on what to do in case of exposure to contaminated water and during symptoms associated with major diseases caused by contaminated water. Significant results:

Leptospirosis:

• As flooding occurs and rivers and streams flow, rat urine (which causes leptospirosis) found in sewers and manholes mixes with water in runoff and mud.
• The main symptoms of leptospirosis are body pain (mainly in the lower legs), fever, erythrojaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, sometimes red), and headache. It is important to see your doctor if you develop any signs of symptoms so that treatment can begin as soon as possible;
• The incubation period for leptospirosis can be up to 30 days, but symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Diagnosis is made by blood tests, and treatment consists of antibiotics and clinical supportive measures (often requiring hospitalization);
• To clean a contaminated flooded home, it’s best to use gloves, rubber boots, or another type of protection for the legs and arms, such as double-layered plastic bags. Clay residue from surroundings, utensils, furniture and other objects should be removed with a brush or broom, soap and water;
• To clean environments and surfaces, products containing sodium hypochlorite (such as bleach) should be used. What cannot be recovered must be discarded;
• Food that has been in contact with floodwaters should be discarded as they can still become contaminated even after being washed and dried.

Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya:

• The main way to prevent dengue, Zika and chikungunya is to eliminate places where water can collect and form puddles. In this way, the transmission of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can be avoided.and Carriers of these three diseases.
• The most important symptoms of these diseases include high fever, blotchy skin, headache and body aches, especially joint pain. It is important to see a doctor or go to the emergency room at any sign of symptoms, as these illnesses can be serious;
• Containers used as pet water fountains also need attention because they can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes that transmit dengue, Zika and chikungunya.