When water levels in rivers rise and populated areas are flooded, the risk of microorganisms entering open and underground water sources increases, which creates the preconditions for the spread of infectious diseases transmitted by water and foodborne transmission. First of all, these are bacterial and viral intestinal infections - dysentery, salmonellosis, enterovirus infection, typhoid fever, hepatitis A, rotavirus infection and others.
Intestinal infections are accompanied by the following symptoms: repeated loose stools, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased body temperature.
The incubation (latent) period for most intestinal infections is 3-7 days, for typhoid fever - 8-14 days, for hepatitis A - 14-35 days.
Infection with an intestinal infection can occur when drinking water of unguaranteed quality, contaminated food and dishes prepared from them, poorly washed vegetables and fruits, as well as failure to comply with hygiene rules through dirty hands and household items.
During a flood, in order to prevent intestinal infections, it is recommended to follow the following rules:
make a supply of bottled water, food products with extended shelf life, place them as high as possible in places inaccessible to water;
For drinking, use boiled or packaged drinking water, do not drink water from unknown random sources (springs, surface reservoirs), as well as from wells flooded by floods. To disinfect water, it is possible to use disinfectants intended for these purposes in accordance with the instructions for use;
do not use water from natural reservoirs for domestic needs;
strictly observe the rules of personal hygiene (wash your hands thoroughly with soap after visiting the toilet, contacting animals, before preparing and eating food); do not consume food that has been submerged in water; wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly and rinse with boiled water before consumption;
comply with the terms and conditions of food storage, including storing food protected, in individual packaging, in tightly closed jars (containers), avoiding contact between raw and prepared food products;
Do not purchase food products from random persons or places of unauthorized trade.
Flood promotes the migration of mouse-like rodents, which are natural reservoirs of many infectious diseases, from adjacent territories into buildings and structures, including objects of epidemic significance (food industry enterprises; organizations engaged in storage, wholesale and retail trade of food products, catering organizations, healthcare, health organizations, educational institutions, public utility facilities), as well as into residential premises, which creates a threat of the spread of leptospirosis, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, tularemia, yersiniosis and others.
In order to prevent natural focal infections during the flood season, it is recommended:
In anticipation of a flood:
after the snow melts, clean the surrounding area from debris and prevent the formation of solid municipal waste dumps;
take measures to protect objects, including residential buildings, from the penetration of mouse-like rodents, as well as eliminate their habitats;
prevent clutter in outbuildings and basements; ensure the implementation of deratization measures at facilities, including residential premises, paying special attention to epidemiologically significant facilities, housing stock in the private sector;
take measures to protect water (store in closed containers) and food products (store in closed containers (boxes, chests, cabinets) from mouse-like rodents);
purchase devices for catching mouse-like rodents
During a flood:
periodically inspect places of possible habitat of mouse-like rodents in order to carry out extermination work;
After the flood:
clear the surrounding area of debris brought by the flood, followed by its removal to a municipal solid waste landfill;
When working on a personal plot, use respiratory protection (when performing work associated with dust formation) and hand skin protection; ensure the implementation of deratization measures.
If symptoms of infectious diseases occur, if possible, it is necessary to isolate the sick person from healthy family members and seek medical help.
Remember, following basic preventive measures both in everyday life and in the event of an emergency will help keep you and your loved ones healthy.
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