Belmopan. October 19, 2024
The Ministry of Health & Wellness advises the public that playing, walking or working in flooded waters is unsafe. Flood waters can be the source of many infectious diseases, chemical hazards and injuries. Anyone exposed to contaminated flood water can get a wound infection, skin rash, stomach illness, tetanus and waterborne diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis and hepatitis A.
Take note of ways to remain safe after a flood:
- Stay out of floodwaters, especially if you have an open wound.
- Cover any open wounds with a waterproof bandage to reduce the chance of infection.
- Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water. Seek medical attention if necessary.
- Wear boots, rubber gloves and goggles if you must enter flood waters.
- Always practice good personal hygiene.
Also, be advised that because of increased rains and floods, breeding sites for mosquitoes will become plentiful due to stagnant water. All persons living or going into the affected areas must exercise caution to prevent mosquito bites that could cause dengue and other diseases. Everyone is asked to protect themselves by wearing long-sleeved clothing, long pants, mosquito repellent, mosquito coils, and ensuring windows are properly screened or closed before nightfall. Where possible, the community is asked to clean their surroundings and remove containers with standing water that can be a breeding site for mosquitoes.
Please visit your nearest public health or vector control office for more information.
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