Kochi: The flood-hit people returning home from refugee camps should take adequate precautions as the chances of contracting diseases are high, the Ernakulam District Medical Office has cautioned.
The word of caution is particularly for residents of regions inundated by floods, where accumulation of all kinds of waste, including human excreta, is likely.
The chances of an outbreak of diarrhoea, rat fever and jaundice are high and the following precautionary measures should be adopted:
• Wash and clean houses under the guidance of public health workers and volunteers to make the surroundings free from germs and disease-spreading bacteria
• Clean wells, tanks and similar water bodies using bleaching powder
• Check septic tanks and ensure their walls have no cracks or holes
• Those with injuries should take special medical care from qualified doctors before engaging themselves in cleaning activities
• While carrying out work in dirty water, wear boots and gloves
• Never use food that had been left open in the past rainy days
• Wash daily-use vessels, plates and spoon in boiled or warm water
• Don’t throw away waste aimlessly, put them in spots from where its collection is guaranteed
• Don’t leave food unattended. It can attract flies and along with it, diseases
• Avoid circumstances that can lead to water-logging, which can breed mosquitoes and spread diseases
• Always use footwear while venturing out of home
• Drink water that is cooled suitably after boiling
• Wash hands well with anti-septic material including soaps before and after using washrooms or eating food
• Use kerchiefs to hide mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing so as to guard against diseases such as viral fever and H1N1.
• Don’t spit or defecate in open areas
• On any inkling of fever or similar unease, consult the doctor. Avoid self-medication.
