PETALING JAYA: Stay away from flood water and observe precautionary measures to prevent health risks, says a health expert.
Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, a health economist and public health specialist with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said there were two types of health risks – namely physical harm or communicable diseases – associated with floods.
“The physical risk includes electrocution, falling down and dangerous items in the water that may include snakes or sharp objects. So children are encouraged not to play in flood water or the nearby areas,” she said.
Floods also heighten the risk of the transmission of communicable diseases and the water too may be contaminated with certain pathogens, viruses and bacteria, she said.
“These include cholera, hepatitis and gastroenteritis that will infect humans. Pregnant women, children and elderly are at higher risk.
“Hence, when drinking water, it is important to ensure that the water is thoroughly boiled or double boiled,” Dr Sharifa added.
She also advised the elderly and children to dress to keep themselves warm to avoid hypothermia which can stem from prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures.
She said infections, especially those which are airborne, could also spread in crowded flood relief centres.
“Women also need proper hygiene kits especially during menses and pregnancy. High risk cases should be transferred to nearby hospitals as soon as possible so they can be better monitored,” she said.
“Wounds and skin infection must be treated. For certain cases, this can be very risky especially if they are diabetic.”
