5 infectious diseases to be cautious about during and post flood

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Flood is the most common natural disaster across the globe. That is why it becomes very important to protect your health during and post floods.

Flood affected areas is the home of many diseases be it water-borne diseases like typhoid, cholera and conjunctivitis; these diseases are common because of contaminated drinking water in the aftermath of floods. Or vector-borne diseases including malaria and dengue.

Well, if you are not aware of such diseases, we do the needful. We bring you a list of five infectious diseases, their symptoms along with precautions for your knowledge!

Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is caused by a bacteria called Salmonella Typhi which is present in contaminated drinking water and food. The disease is contracted through direct contact with polluted waters. Symptoms of this disease are -headaches, loss of appetite, high fever, and diarrhea.

Precaution - Eat fresh and healthy food. Avoid eating street food and from any place you think is unclean.

Cholera

Similar to typhoid fever, cholera is caused by a bacteria known as Vibrio Cholera which is spread in drinking water and food. Infected flies are the carrier of this disease. Pelvic pain and vomiting is the common symptom of this disease.

Precaution - Eat clean and freshly cooked food. Do not drink water without boiling it. Also, wash your hands and food containers properly.

Leptospirosis

Unlike typhoid and cholera, one epidemic-prone infection which can be transmitted directly from contaminated water is leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is caused by the bacteria called Leptospira which is present in animals’ urine such as mice, cows and buffaloes. Transmission occurs through open wound, or through skin that has been in the water for a prolong period of time, or mucous membrane of the eyes and mouth. Symptoms are -normal cold with headaches, fever, muscles aches, red eye infection and watery eyes. If the disease isn't detected timely, the patient might slip into coma.

Precaution - Avoid too much walking in flood waters. Wear rubber boots every time you walk in the water. Swimming in such waters is a complete no!

Hepatitis A

The inflammation of the liver cells causes the liver to function abnormally. Virus that causes this inflammation is hepatitis A. This illness can be caused by eating unhygienic or uncooked food. Mild fever, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and yellow eyes are common symptoms.

Precaution - Eat clean and cooked food. Do not share the same drinking glass with others.

Dengue fever

This is caused by virus infection with aedes aegypti, also known as, yellow fever mosquitoes as the carrier. This is a common disease in the rainy season because of mosquitoes. Few common symptoms of this disease are -loss of appetite, vomit , muscle pain, reddish skin, and blood spots on the skin.

Precaution - Use mosquito repellent creams and sprays to avoid mosquito bites.