Take care not to step on nails or other protruding items. Floodwater may contain fecal material from overflowing sewage systems, and agricultural and industrial byproducts. While skin contact with floodwater does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk, ingesting anything contaminated with floodwater may cause disease. Diar rheal diseases Diarrheal diseases may be common during flooding due to disruption in human sewage and overflow of animal manure piles. Consult your doctor if diarrhea, vomiting or fever develops.
Diarrheal diseases are usually foodborne or waterborne diseases.
The Department of Health is actively monitoring flood areas for the occurrence of disease outbreaks. Wound management Minor wounds should be cleansed thoroughly with soap and clean water, covered, and kept dry while working on cleanup activities. Immunization with tetanus is recommended if it has been more than 10 years since completion of series or a previous booster. Serious injuries such as deep lacerations, uncontrolled bleeding, broken bones, etc., require immediate medical attention. For wounds with environmental contamination, immunization with tetanus is recommended if it has been more than 5 years since completion of series or a previous booster.