Floodwaters may pose health risks
Be wary of mold, mosquitoes and ticks
The trends in St. Charles County are heartening, with few flood-related illnesses and injuries reported so far.
Still, medical authorities are monitoring the situation and encouraging practices that will keep residents well.Dr. James H. Hinrichs, clinical director for infectious control for SSM St. Joseph Hospital West in Lakes Saint Louis, said a mini-outbreak of four cases of viral meningitis could be exacerbated by floodwaters.
"There would be a worry if those viruses could end up in floodwater," Hinrichs said.
The symptoms are headache, fever, stiff neck and diarrhea, Hinrichs said.
"Generally it's benign; the main time people get hospitalized, they make sure they don't have bacterial meningitis," Hinrichs said.
Hinrichs said he has seen an increase in gastroenteritis, which people get from ingesting contaminated food. Gil Copley, director of the Department of Community Health and the Environment for St. Charles County, said residents should dispose of all food that has been submerged in floodwater, even if it appears intact.
Dr. Jude Reed, medical director for the Emergency Department at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital, said his staff also has seen several cases of gastroenteritis.
The instance of pink eye has spiked in Iowa, Reed said, but few cases have been reported locally.
Reed cautioned that residents with asthma should monitor their conditions closely when working in flooded homes.
If they need to use their inhalers more often, Reed said, asthmatics cleaning up should report the increase to their physicians.
"It's important when people do return, they wear masks and gloves," Reed said.
Reed and Hinrichs said anyone with a pre-existing condition should be cautious to listen to their bodies while working, or avoid cleanup duty altogether.
"Cancer patients should not be near mold - it can cause pneumonia," Hinrichs said.
Even people in good health need to make sure they don't overexert themselves during cleanup, and be updated on their vaccinations, such as tetanus, Hinrichs said.
Carbon monoxide released from generators used to power homes or cleanup equipment can also pose a health threat, Hinrichs said. To avoid myriad respiratory threats, residents cleaning up should work in a well-ventilated area.
Another health threat most people who use well water may know is the need to disinfect a well after it's been submerged in floodwater.
Copley said the county health department has information on how to disinfect wells, and will provide test kits to residents.
The county also is stepping up its insect spraying schedule to combat West Nile virus.
West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes.
"Obviously the mosquitoes like standing water - so that's a concern," Hinrichs said.
The disease causes flu-like symptoms; it can be deadly for the elderly, small children and people with compromised immune systems.
Hinrichs said cases of West Nile virus usually are first reported in August.
"Hopefully the cleanup will be pretty far along the way before we see any West Nile activity," Hinrichs said.
With furry animals being forced from their natural habitats by the flood, the risk of Lyme disease from ticks also is high.
Wearing insect repellent can help, as well as being mindful of bites.
Lyme disease is characterized by a distinctive bull's-eye-shaped lesion at the infection site, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Lyme disease usually can be cleared up with a few weeks of antibiotics, according to the CDC.
For more information about the St. Charles County Department of Community Health and the Environment, call 636-949-7400 or visit www.scchealth.org.
Safety tips
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers safety tips for residents impacted by floodwaters:
? Discard containers or utensils made of porous materials, including plastic baby bottles, nipples and pacifiers; plastic storage containers; plastic silverware; paper, foam or plastic dishes; and food preparation or storage items made of wood.
? Cans and bottles with no heat or water damage, and no dents, bulging or rust can be disinfected. Labels should be removed because the paper traps bacteria. Write the contents on the can with a permanent marker.
Clean and disinfect with two tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of clean water.
Do not use bleach with an added scent.
Do not rinse; let items air dry.
Never mix bleach with ammonia or another cleaner.
? Open windows to let in fresh air.
? Check your heating, ventilating and air conditioning system for mold with a professional inspector.
Systems should be checked before turning on to avoid blowing mold into all parts of your home. Throw away wet or water-damaged filters.
? After the floodwaters have gone, shock-chlorinate your well with bleach, then have it tested two days after chlorination by a professional laboratory before using the water. Information on shock-chlorination is available at www.emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/pdf/wellsdisinfect.pdf.
? Car batteries that have been in or remain in floodwater can be hazardous if they still contain an electrical charge.
? Police or fire departments should be contacted when propane tanks from a home or gas grill are discovered.
Register for assistance
Register for FEMA disaster assistance by calling 800-621-3362, or 800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired.
This toll-free registration help line will operate daily from 6 a.m.-11 p.m. until further notice.
Online registration is available at www.fema.gov.
FEMA disaster recovery experts urge Missourians in the affected areas to register with the agency even if they have insurance.
FEMA does not duplicate insurance payments, but applicants who are underinsured may be reconsidered after claims have been settled.
Registration with FEMA is required separately from registration with any other disaster relief organization.
