Cape York, Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area residents should ensure they look after their safety and health as extremely wet conditions prevail across the region.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Helen Pedgrift said residents should be aware of the increased risk of infection if they came into direct contact with polluted waters.
Wound infections, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose and throat infections can occur. All wounds should be immediately cleaned, disinfected, and kept covered.
“You should consider avoiding flood water and mud if you have broken skin or wounds, especially if you have diabetes or other chronic diseases,’’ Dr Pedgrift said.
“You should also ensure you are up to date with your tetanus shot for your safety.
“And please see a health professional or your doctor early for severe wounds, especially if the wound is dirty or becomes red, sore, swollen or painful.’’
Floods may also increase the risk of diarrhoeal conditions and bacterial diseases such as leptospirosis and melioidosis.
“To minimise health risks, do not swim in floodwater and ensure that you and your children keep away from stormwater drains and creeks,” Dr Pedgrift said.
“And avoid wading even in shallow water, as it may be contaminated – if you must enter shallow flood water, wear solid boots or shoes for protection.’’
People cleaning up flood-affected areas should wear sunscreen, insect repellent, boots, gloves and a hat, drink plenty of water and clean and cover wounds.
A face mask also can help protect people from infections, particularly if using a pressure washer.
Dr Pedgrift said frequent washing of hands was essential.
“Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling food, and after handling pets that may have swum in contaminated water,’’ she said.
“If drinking-quality water is not available and hands look clean, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
“For hands that are dirty or feel gritty, wash hands, and then apply an alcohol-based hand rub.’’
Maintaining food safety after an emergency also was important, especially if power had been cut or food had been in contact with contaminated floodwater, Dr Pedgrift said.
"Eating food that has not been refrigerated for some time can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses which can be serious," she said.
"These illnesses can cause serious vomiting, diarrhoea or sepsis (blood poisoning).
After an emergency, it is recommended that you dispose of:
- Food, liquids or medicines that have been in contact with floodwater
- food that has an unusual odour, colour or texture
- refrigerated food that has been left unrefrigerated or above 5°C for more than four hours
- frozen food after 48 hours (if the freezer is full) or after 24 hours (if the freezer is only half full). If frozen food has partially thawed, the food should be eaten as soon as possible
- canned food where the can is open, swollen or damaged, or has a missing or damaged label
- food containers with screw or twist caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soft drink bottles) and flip tops.
Dr Pedgrift said carbon monoxide poisoning also was a real risk for people near a petrol- powered generator or pump if these were used in an enclosed area.
“Make sure generators and pumps are situated in well-ventilated areas, preferably outside,’’ she said.
Read more about recovery from disasters on the Queensland government website.
Read more about water-borne bacterial infections such as leptospirosis and melioidosis on the Queensland government website.