خطر خفي بعد فيضانات نيبال.. مياه ملوثة تنشر الأمراض

The repercussions of the floods in Nepal do not stop at human and material losses and the displacement of residents, as new health risks loom with the receding waters, amid the possibility of contamination of drinking sources and the mixing of floodwaters with sewage, animal waste, chemicals, mud, and other pollutants.

According to health guidelines reported by the "Times Now" website, the collapse of sewage networks and the contamination of drinking water sources, along with difficulties in accessing medical services, may increase the risk of infectious diseases during the recovery phase from the disaster.

Why do floodwaters pose a risk?

Floodwaters can carry bacteria, viruses, and parasites resulting from sewage, overflowing toilets, and agricultural and animal waste, in addition to chemicals and other pollutants.

Infection can occur when contaminated water is ingested, when food that has touched it is consumed, or when the mouth, nose, or eyes are touched with contaminated hands. Germs can also enter the body through cuts and scratches when in contact with contaminated water.

The clarity of the water or its appearance as clean does not mean it is safe for use, as it may contain contaminants that are not visible to the naked eye.

Diseases threatening survivors

The risk of diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections increases after floods, accompanied by vomiting and stomach cramps, while cholera is a particular concern when water and sewage networks are damaged.

Typhoid fever may also spread due to contaminated water and food and poor sanitation, along with hepatitis A and E, which are viral diseases that can be transmitted through contaminated water and food, potentially causing fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice.

There is also the risk of leptospirosis, which is transmitted through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially with prolonged exposure to stagnant water or wet soil.

Contact with floodwaters can lead to skin infections, and respiratory infections may increase in overcrowded shelters due to close proximity between individuals and poor ventilation.

How can prevention be achieved?

Experts recommend avoiding contact with floodwaters as much as possible, and if it is necessary to enter them, to use protective shoes and clothing, followed by thoroughly washing the skin with clean water and soap after exposure.

Safe water should be used for drinking, cooking, cleaning teeth, and making ice, and adherence to authorities' instructions regarding the safety of tap water is essential. If there is doubt about the safety of a water source, reliance should be on bottled water or water treated appropriately.

Any food that has come into contact with floodwaters should be discarded, and hands should be washed frequently, especially before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet or cleaning contaminated areas.

As for cuts and scratches, they should be kept clean and covered with waterproof bandages, and medical care should be sought if pain, swelling, or redness increases, or if pus appears.

Symptoms that require care

Some symptoms require urgent medical attention, including persistent diarrhea, repeated vomiting, high fever, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, difficulty breathing, jaundice, and increasing weakness.

The likelihood of complications increases among children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

As floodwaters recede, the risks do not necessarily end; a new phase of health challenges related to water and food contamination and the spread of infections may begin, making the provision of safe drinking water, maintenance of personal hygiene, proper food handling, and prompt access to medical care essential factors for protecting survivors during the recovery phase.