Hurricane aftermath: Infectious diseases and how to prevent them
In the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Irma, two natural disasters that delivered a devastating one-two punch of wind and water to the US mainland, public health officials are on the lookout for secondary repercussions at the locations now inundated with stagnant water.
We’re well aware of the primary damage of large storms due to the blustering winds that knock down houses and snap power lines, but there are other consequences to consider in the weeks following the initial storm damage — namely, waterborne, airborne and insect- or pest-related illnesses.
Most of these can be treated with common (and cheap) antibiotics, such as ciproflaxin and doxycycline, or over-the-counter acetaminophen. But due to the potential shortage of medical attention or prescription drugs in severely impacted areas, it’s better to prevent the initial infection from happening in the first place. Here’s what to look out for:
Waterborne diseases
Flood waters can carry nasty microbes, especially if there is cross contamination of the drinking and sewage water supplies. But water supplies can also be compromised by rodents in the area.
Mice and rats host a number of diseases that are typically transmitted to humans when rodent urine or feces get swept up by the surrounding water. Though immediately after a hurricane the number of rodents in the flood area is reduced, the surviving animals will be in search of food and shelter. Once they reorganize, they will begin to reproduce and increase the number of affected rodents in the area.
Diseases like leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that’s transmitted through contaminated water, can grow to epidemic proportions during flooding. What starts off as flu-like symptoms (head and muscle aches, chills, and abdominal pain) can often culminate in a second wave of more serious symptoms, ultimately leading to meningitis, an inflammation of the protective sheaths surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be deadly if not treated quickly with antibiotics.
Airborne diseases
Though it may be easy for us to wrap our heads around waterborne illnesses during events like hurricanes that involve a lot of water, flooding can also cause air pollution due to the spraying, splashing and evaporation of the infected water. For example, Legionnaires’ disease, a pneumonia-like illness that can be dangerous if left untreated, is a concern during flooding as the disease spreads when someone inhales small water droplets.
Officials recommend that those with lung disorders, such as COPD or asthma, wear a respirator mask like the N95, which filters out 95% of dangerous particles.
In fact, it’s a good idea for everyone to consider wearing the N95 mask during and following a flood to protect against mold and fungus that might be released into the air. You can get them online, or at hardware or medical supply stores.
Insect- and pest-related problems
The CDC advises us to avoid insects and pests that may be lurking around the areas following a flood. Here are just a few examples of how contact can lead to complications.
Mosquitos
Mosquitos carrying Zika, dengue or West Nile viruses can infect people in areas where pest populations are not controlled. Though the winds that persist during a hurricane are usually enough to keep mosquitos at bay during the worst parts of the storm, the stagnant pools of water afterwards serve as breeding grounds for the insects to lay eggs and reproduce. To avoid bites that could lead to serious illnesses, wear long pants and shirts, use bug spray containing DEET or Picaridin and remove all free-standing puddles of water in flower pots and buckets.
If you suspect you’ve been bitten and experience high fever, rash, and muscle/joint pain, take some Tylenol (acetaminophen) and see a doctor immediately. Important: Don’t take aspirin or Advil (ibuprofen) on your own as the medication can work with the infecting organism to cause excessive bleeding.
Snakes
Yes, snakes. According to the New York Times, snakes are also displaced during hurricanes, and will be seeking dry, higher ground. As a result, there is a higher risk of snake bites.
As reported by the CDC, if you see a snake, back away slowly and do not touch it. If someone is bitten, wrap the bite with a clean, dry bandage and keep the person still and calm with the affected area below the heart — these actions can reduce the spread of the venom.
How to prevent infection, and what to do if you think you’ve contracted something
Proper hygiene goes a long way in preventing the diseases that occur during a flood. Here are a few things to consider when living in a flooded area:
- Use antibacterial gel or hand wash after you come into contact with flood water. That will reduce your exposure to possibly harmful pathogens.
- Keep your hands away from your head and mouth whenever possible. Diseases can spread from outside your body to inside your body when you touch the mucous membranes, such as the mouth and nose.
- When you do have to touch flooded water, keep your hands safe with disposable gloves. Keep several pairs of nitrile or latex gloves available in your home and emergency kit. (Don’t have an emergency kit? You should.)
- As far as symptoms go: If you or a family member feel flu- or pneumonia-like symptoms coming on, try to see a clinician as soon as possible to get started on a course of antibiotics. Let them know if you think there was a bite involved. In the case that there is a shortage of medication or help available, be prepared to leave your home and seek treatment outside your town or city.
