Precautions to be taken after contact with floods

Precautions to be taken after contact with floods


Caution is essential in these situations and can save lives


Summary

Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul compromises public health; The state must pay attention to symptoms of diseases such as leptospirosis, hepatitis A and tetanus, as well as accidents with poisonous animals.




Contact with contaminated water during natural disasters, like the one we are witnessing in Rio Grande do Sul, raises public health concerns. With people moving from other states to help on the front lines and others returning from there, you need to be aware of possible symptoms of diseases such as leptospirosis, hepatitis A, tetanus and accidents with poisonous animals.

Doctor Rodrigo Athanazio, from Melvi Saúde, explains the most common symptoms of each disease.

Leptospirosis

“Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease found in the urine of rats and other animals. It is transmitted when contaminated water comes into contact with the skin, especially if there is an exposed wound, but also through the eyes, nose or mouth. If you experience fever, headache, dark urine and muscle pain, especially in the calves, a few days after contact with contaminated water or mud, immediately seek out the nearest health service and inform professionals that you have suffered from the flood,” it reads. .

Leptospirosis has a cure, and diagnosis and treatment can be done by the Unified Health System (SUS).

Hepatitis A

Rodrigo clarifies that hepatitis A is a virus that is transmitted by ingesting contaminated water or food. Among the most common symptoms are general malaise, vomiting, fever, nausea and yellowing of the skin and eyes.

“A person may experience symptoms between 15 and 45 days after exposure to the virus. The vaccine is available in the SUS for some priority groups or can be taken in private immunization clinics.”

Tetanus

Tetanus is an infection caused by a bacterial toxin and can be found in different environments. According to the doctor, the contraction occurs through wounds or skin lesions, such as cuts or burns. Symptoms appear, on average, between three and 21 days and include fever, difficulty swallowing and muscle twitching. It is important to underline that tetanus can also be prevented through vaccination, available to all SUS subjects.

Poisonous animals

During floods, animals such as snakes, spiders and scorpions look for dry places to stay.

“If you are stung, do not tie, cut or suck the wound. Just wash with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately,” says Dr. Rodrigo.

If you volunteer for relief efforts or will help after the dust settles, maintain good practices: cover cuts, burns or scrapes with waterproof bandages; wear waterproof shoes and gloves and do not walk barefoot or with open shoes; and be careful when handling debris.

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Source: Terra

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