Summary
- be aware of the higher risk of infection when people came into direct contact with polluted waters.
- residents to look after their safety and health in wet conditions.
As the wet season continues to build across Cape York, the Torres Strait, and Northern Peninsula Area – and in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Jasper – increasingly heavy and possibly flood rains can be expected.
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Public Health Medical Officer Dr Allison Hempenstall said residents should ensure they looked after their safety and health in any extremely wet conditions.
She said all Cape York, Northern Peninsula Area and Torres Strait residents should be aware of the increased risk of infection if people 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 also consider avoiding flood water and mud if you have broken skin or wounds, especially if you have diabetes or other chronic diseases,’’ Dr Hempenstall said.
“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 Hempenstall 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.
Dr Hempenstall 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 Hempenstall 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 that has 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 Hempenstall 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.
For details visit Disasters | Emergency services and safety and Bacterial infections | Health and wellbeing on the Queensland Government website.