Diseases Caused by Floods

Types of Diseases Caused by Floods

Floods interfere with everyday lives and pose severe health dangers to impacted communities. Floods occur regularly in Malaysia, specifically during monsoon seasons. Disease outbreaks thrive in floods because of the stagnant water and unhygienic conditions in these occurrences. Floodwaters carrying harmful pathogens cause a surge in waterborne and vector-borne diseases. Leptospirosis, a common post-flood disease, requires specific attention. The spread of diseases can be prevented through awareness and proper precautions. Gleneagles Hospitals prioritise community health and guide the management of flood-related health dangers. This article details the most common diseases caused by floods and ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Common Waterborne Diseases After Floods

Bacteria and viruses regularly contaminate floodwaters, which leads to serious health issues. The most common diseases include:

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis occurs because of contact with water tainted by animal urine. This bacterial infection presents significant dangers during floods. 

1. Causes: Floodwaters containing animal waste are ideal environments for the Leptospira bacteria to thrive. An infection may result from direct contact.
2. Symptoms: High fever, muscle pain, headaches, and nausea are symptoms of leptospirosis. Serious cases may lead to liver or kidney damage.
3. Statistics: Malaysia recorded an increase in leptospirosis cases after the latest floods. Prompt medical care can prevent health complications.

Cholera

Cholera, a diarrheal illness, is transmitted through contaminated water or food. It may intensify into outbreaks after floods.

1. Causes: Vibrio cholerae bacteria are transmitted through contaminated drinking water. Inadequate sanitation worsens the situation.
2. Symptoms: Watery diarrhoea, dehydration, and cramps are symptoms of cholera. Serious dehydration can lead to death if left untreated.
3. Prevention: Boil drinking water and ensure hygiene to decrease the risk of infection.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral disease spread through contaminated water. It is still something to worry about during and after floods.

1. Causes: The virus spreads via faecal-oral routes, frequently through contaminated water or poor hygiene.
2. Symptoms: Jaundice, fatigue, and stomach pain are symptoms of hepatitis A. Children and older individuals face increased risks.
3. Prevention: Vaccinations and access to clean water decrease the potential for outbreaks. 

Floods Also Influence Vector-Borne Diseases

Floods also elevate the prevalence of diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and rodents. These include:

Dengue Fever

There is a spike in dengue fever cases after floods, as stagnant water becomes a haven for mosquitoes to breed in.

• Causes: Pools of stagnant floodwater are ideal habitats for Aedes mosquitoes. They infect humans with the dengue virus they carry.
• Symptoms: High fever, serious headaches, joint pain, and rashes are common symptoms of dengue.
• Prevention: Use insect repellents and remove stagnant water near your home to decrease mosquito populations.

Malaria

Malaria is another vector-borne disease that rises following floods, specifically in rural areas.

• Causes: The malaria parasite is transmitted through Anopheles mosquitoes. Floods shape the ideal habitats for these mosquitoes.
• Symptoms: Fever, chills, sweating, and muscle pain are symptoms of malaria. Serious cases can lead to organ damage.
• Prevention: Mosquito nets and antimalarial medication can help you prevent malaria.

Rat-Borne Diseases

Flood debris is an ideal environment for rats, transmitting diseases such as hantavirus and leptospirosis.

• Causes: Rats are forced to come into closer contact with humans due to flood conditions. Water sources are contaminated by their waste.
• Prevention: Proper waste disposal and pest management help decrease the risk of infection.

Disease Prevention Starts with Flood Preparedness

Flood preparedness plays an important role in reducing health dangers. These simple precautions can avoid numerous diseases:

1. Safe Drinking Water

   Boiling or filtering water ensures access to clean drinking water. Avoid consuming flood-contaminated water.

2. Proper Hygiene Practices

   Wash your hands thoroughly, especially before meals. Using soap and clean water helps minimise contamination risks.

3. Insect Protection

   Reduce exposure to mosquito-borne diseases by applying mosquito repellent and using nets.

Gleneagles Hospitals encourage preventive health actions to minimise post-flood health dangers. Education and healthcare access are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can leptospirosis lead to chronic health issues?

Yes, organ failure and chronic kidney or liver damage can result from untreated leptospirosis. Early treatment is key.

2. How fast do symptoms pop up after flood-related exposure?

Although symptoms can vary, they often show up within days to weeks. Get medical attention as soon as you feel ill.

3. Can vaccinations prevent flood-related diseases?

Certain diseases, such as hepatitis A, are preventable with vaccines.

4. If you think the drinking water is contaminated, what should you do?

You should boil water for at least a minute before drinking it. You can use certified water filters or drink bottled water as well.

5. Does wearing protective clothing during floods lower the risk to one’s health?

Yes, reduced direct contact with contaminated water is achieved through wearing waterproof boots and gloves. This helps decrease infection risks.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Floods present severe health dangers, including the transmission of diseases such as leptospirosis, cholera, dengue, and malaria. These waterborne and vector-borne diseases can cause serious complications if not treated timely. If you or someone you know has symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, diarrhoea, or dehydration after a flood, it is important to seek medical care immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent serious health complications.

Gleneagles Hospitals is committed to safeguarding your health with advanced diagnostic services and comprehensive treatment options for flood-related diseases. Whether you seek medical advice on preventing infections or need immediate care, our team is ready to assist you.

Do not wait to protect yourself and your family—take proactive steps today. To book an appointment for a health screening, vaccine consultation, or flood-related disease diagnosis, please visit our website or download the MyHealth360 app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Our dedicated healthcare personnel are here to provide you with personalised care and support.