With Chennai facing heavy rains and flooding over the past two days due to Cyclone Michaung, experts caution against the spread of waterborne diseases and infections.
Some of the most common waterborne infections that can spread during floods or heavy rainfall include typhoid, hepatitis A, leptospirosis and cholera, says Dr Abdul Ghafur, infectious disease consultant at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai. Dr Ghafur adds that leptospirosis, also commonly known as rat fever, is one of the most common infections post floods, usually affecting that category of people who spend prolonged periods of time wading through contaminated water- like local municipality workers, for instance.
Common symptoms of waterborne infections
Dr Sanjay Gupta, internal medicine specialist at HCMCT Manipal Hospitals, Dwarka, New Delhi says that waterborne infections can broadly divided into three categories: infections caused by viruses which includes Hepatitis A and E, infections caused by bacteria, such as typhoid and cholera and those caused by protozoa such as amoebiasis, giardiasis.
“For viral waterborne diseases, the common symptoms include nausea, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea and a high fever. Bacterial disease cholera, although it is not very common, can turn out to be fatal in some extreme cases. The most common infection caused by a bacteria is typhoid- contamination happens through the fecal route and symptoms include high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes it could affect the brain causing encephalopathy. The main symptom of infections caused by protozoa includes dysentery, an acute infection of the large intestines, dehydration, fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea etc,” he says.
Dr Gupta recommends consulting a doctor as soon as one notices any of these symptoms.
Chennai rains: How to protect yourself from waterborne infections
Avoid stepping out: Dr Ghafur says the number one rule to avoid waterborne diseases during heavy rains, like the situation in Chennai currently, is to not venture out. “Do not wade into the water unless it is absolutely necessary. The water outside could be contaminated with sewage,” warns Dr Ghafur.
Wash your hands, feet with clean water and soap: If you have stepped into the water, wash your hands and feet with soap and water when you return,” recommends Dr Ghafur.
Wear protective gear: Dr Ghafur says if available, one can also wear gloves and boots while stepping out. Dr Gupta adds that it is also important to make sure these boots and gloves are also clean and do not end up becoming a source of infection themselves.
Dr Ghafur says that if you are someone who has to spend a significant amount of time standing or wading through contaminated water during a flood, you must contact your doctor for Prophylaxis for leptospirosis, which is an approach where one takes an antibiotic to reduce the chances of an infection.
Boil water: Dr S Jeswanth, professor and head of Surgical Gastroenterology, Department at Government Stanley Medical College Hospital, Chennai says that another important thumb rule is always boil drinking water thoroughly. “This is a simple yet foolproof way to kill pathogens and prevent infections. Boil the water thoroughly before drinking,” he says.
Once boiled, the water can be stored in a clean bowl and even stored in the refrigerator, says Dr Gupta.
“One can also consider using chlorine tablets- these are an easy, simple-to-use solution to make sure water is clean. 1 tablet is enough for a 500 to 600 ml quantity of water. You may get a small taste of chlorine while drinking this water. But it is a very simple, effective way to prevent infections. Make sure that the water filters you use at home are also changed every six months and kept clean to prevent contamination,” he says.
Dr Gupta also recommends carrying a clean bottle of boiled water with you while stepping out.
Avoid eating out: Dr Jeswanth also recommends avoiding eating food from outside during heavy rains since it could be contaminated and making sure that the food that you eat is freshly and hygienically-prepared. “Hygiene matters even while preparing the food. Make sure your hands are clean before preparing and eating the meals. Wash your hands thoroughly with clean water and soap,” he says.
In a situation where there is no clean water available, especially when you’re outside, use a hand sanitizer, adds Dr Jeswanth.
Managing wounds: If you have an open wound, it is always good to not venture out, says Dr Ghafur. “If you’re venturing out, cover your wounds with a bandaid or a plastic cover so that the wound does not get wet and infected.”
Dr Ghafur says that in addition to washing your wounds with clean water and soap, one must also watch out for signs of an infection. “If you think that your wound is infected- if you see any pus discharge coming from the wound or notice any redness around the wound, develop a fever etc- contact your doctor immediately,” he says.
Takeaways
Chennai rains, caused by Cyclone Michaung has led to flood situation, with possible outbreak of water borne infections. Simple steps such as washing your hands and feet with clean water and soap after you return from outside, always boiling water before you drink, keeping your hands clean before preparing and eating meals can help you protect yourself from common waterborne illnesses.
