Health Risks of Floodwaters

Information may not be reliable

• Open wounds, cuts and abrasions exposed to floodwater can be infected by bacteria and other pathogens from the water. 
• If contacting floodwaters is unavoidable, proper protective clothing such as gloves, pants and boots must be worn.
• Apply a waterproof bandage on open wounds to prevent infections and maintain cleanliness thorough washing with soap and water.
• If redness or swelling develops or if there is a foreign object in the wound, immediately seek medical help.
• For more information, read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) disclaimer on Emergency Wound Care After a Natural Disaster.

• Deep and murky floodwaters hide broken glass, metal fragments and other dangerous injury-causing debris. 
• Contact a health care professional if you suffer a puncture wound or if any open wound becomes contaminated. 

• Flooding disturbs animal habitats and displaces wildlife.
• Avoid contact with animals, insects and reptiles especially in areas with a high wildlife population, such as Florida.

• Ingesting floodwater can cause vomiting or diarrhea because of bacteria, viruses or parasites. Germs that contaminate floodwater include Cryptosporidium, Giardia, E. coli, and salmonella. Stomach distress from floodwaters can escalate over time and cause dehydration.
• There is also a risk of contracting leptospirosis, cholera and typhoid fever in flooded areas.
• Flooding can attract mosquitoes which carry dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus and the West Nile virus. 
• After a hurricane or storm, it is advised to wear long sleeves and use insect repellant to avoid mosquito bites. 
• Hepatitis A and E can be transmitted through contaminated water or food, although in the United States hepatitis E is considered rare.
• Legionnaires' disease, caused by the bacteria Legionella, is a respiratory infection which causes chills, coughing, shortness of breath and fever. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be fatal if it's not caught early.

• Floods displace chemical containers and cause spillages, leaks, fires and explosions (gas and propane tanks). Contact the local fire department if propane tanks have turned up (do not attempt to move them).
• Use insulated gloves when removing car batteries, as they may still have an electrical charge. Avoid coming in contact with spilled acid from damaged car batteries.

• Report fallen power lines and do not drive through water with downed power lines. 
• Safely shut off electrical power to avoid electrocution, explosions or fires. 
• Call 911 immediately if someone has been electrocuted.

• There is no evidence that supports the spread of the COVID-19 virus through floodwater. 
• The CDC is not aware of any scientific reports which claim that COVID-19 can be contracted through ingesting or coming in contact with water contaminated with the fecal matter of an infected person.
• Avoid contact with floodwaters to circumvent diseases and other hazards.

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