Dear readers,
Post disaster management is a major component in any relief work. I emphasized a lot during press conferences and live updates in the local media as well as on my tweet handle. Cases like food and water borne disease are amongst the main culprit in a disaster especially during flash floods.
It is a known fact that flooding can cause the disruption of water purification and sewage disposal systems which can cause serious outbreaks of infectious disease. Floodwater often contains infectious organisms, including intestinal bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella which can be detrimental if it is not treated at an early stage.
Since the focus is on E.Coli, I would like to highlight few issues. It is important for us to understand the organism and the disease it brings before jumping the gun.
Escherichia coli refers to a large group of bacteria that is commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless; however, some strains, such as E. coli O157: H7, can make people sick, causing severe stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
After a major flood, it is often difficult to maintain good hygiene during clean up operations. In order to avoid waterborne disease, it is important to wash your hands with soap. Those people who are working hard to clean areas affected by floods should assume that any water in flooded or surrounding areas is not safe unless the local or state authorities have specifically declared it to be safe. If no safe water supply is available for washing, use bottled water !!!
Infections can be caused by:
- Untreated drinking water
- Direct contact with animals after flood
- Improperly cooked meat
- Raw fruits and uncooked vegetables
Proper hygiene and safe food handling and preparation practices are the key to preventing the spread of E. coli.
I would also like to highlight few tips for the community, NGOs and other agencies during the clean up operations. Tips to Remember
- Before working in flooded areas, be sure your tetanus shot is current (given within the last 10 years). Wounds that are associated with flood should be evaluated for risk by a doctor.
- Consider all water unsafe until local authorities announce that the public water supply is safe.
- Do not use contaminated water to wash and prepare food, brush your teeth, wash dishes, or make ice.
- Keep an adequate supply of safe water available for washing and potable water for drinking.
- Be alert for chemically contaminated floodwater at industrial sites.
- Use extreme caution with potential electric hazards, which have great potential for fires and explosions.
In conclusion, if you think you are infected with E. coli bacteria or any other foodborne illness, do not prepare food for others. Symptoms of E. coli infection usually start within about 3 to 4 days after exposure, but the incubation period can be as short as 1 day or as long as 10 days.
Stay safe and please practice this golden rules:
- Keep your place and surrounding clean
- Separate raw and cooked food
- Cook thoroughly
- Keep food at safe temperature
- Use safe and clean water
Thank you.
Dr Dhesi BR is the President of MIMPA and Founder of The Malaysian Medical Gazette. He is also currently pursuing his doctorate in Public Health.
References:
- CDC Atlanta
- WHO:http://www.who.int/foodsafety/publications/consumer/manual_keys.pdf
[This article belongs to The Malaysian Medical Gazette. Any republication (online or offline) without written permission from The Malaysian Medical Gazette is prohibited.]