Hurricanes and heavy rains can, sure enough, bring flooding. Another cause would be plumbing problems. Problematic pipes could mean obstructed drains and overflowing toilets. Whether in detached houses or multi-story structures, flooding can happen.
Dirty water can increase the transmission of water-borne diseases. These illnesses are from contaminated human and animal wastes and can enter the body in several ways.
Diseases From the Water
Contaminants carried by water can permeate through anything permeable, such as building materials like wood or concrete, or might penetrate the soil. These can further affect the water supply and vegetation.
Ingestion and Contact
Flood waters can bring bacteria and viruses from animal or human feces and can come into contact with drinking water or food supply. Direct contact with flood waters can also cause these to infiltrate skin through scratches or open injuries. The most common diseases are the following.
- Typhoid Fever – This can be life-threatening if not treated. The signs are stomach discomfort, constipation, diarrhea, continuous fever, nausea, and headaches.
- Cholera – Watery diarrhea is the major symptom of cholera and might cause dehydration and might likewise be fatal.
- Hepatitis A – It is a highly contagious liver disease that can cause loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea, dark-colored urine, and jaundice. Sometimes, this can trigger liver function to stop.
- Leptospirosis – This is caused by bacteria from animals, especially rodents. Infected urine can mix with water or soil and can go into the body through the skin, genitals, nose, or mouth. Symptoms resemble hepatitis A. However, more major infections can cause kidney failure, meningitis, and other serious complications.
Mosquito-Borne Viral Infections
Mosquitoes need to find water to reproduce, and whatever water remains from floods is the perfect place for eggs to be laid. Mosquito bites can transfer viruses to people. Such are:
- Malaria – This manifests with flu-like symptoms and body pains. Serious cases can trigger seizures, coma, and death.
- Dengue Fever – High fever, eye pain, and rashes are the first signs of this viral infection. If not treated early, this may trigger internal hemorrhaging and can be deadly.
Mold-Related Health problems
If water damage or any moisture remains after flooding, mold is unavoidable. These come from airborne spores and will prosper on any surface. Exposure to toxic mold can trigger moderate to severe medical issues. Individuals who have allergies and those who are immuno-compromised are easy candidates.
Some mild signs may be the following:
- runny nose and congestion
- eye irritation
- coughing
- skin rashes
Molds can produce mycotoxins– toxic substances that can get into the brain. If this occurs, it will result in memory loss and metabolism issues and cause brain swelling.
What to Do in Case of Flooding
Standing water and water damage needs to be dealt with to prevent health issues. More information on local property damage restoration can be found here.
Use Protective Clothing
After an instance of flooding, do not enter the damaged area without protective clothes such as rubber boots, gloves, etc.
Keep Away From the Danger
If possible, do not attempt to clean up. If there is severe damage due to flooding, some areas might be too weak to walk or stand on. Mosquitoes may be present, or mishaps may injure you, making you vulnerable to illness.
Contact a Professional Remediation Company
The best possible method to fix the water damage problem is to call specialists. They have the best devices, and they move fast and completely.
Getting Rid of the Water Damage
Remediation experts, like Puroclean of Canton, can turn a location inside out and replace any parts of a structure that are no longer of any use. They have devices that can eliminate any standing water and utilize fans and blowers to get rid of any remaining moisture.
Mold Prevention
The remediation companies use proper cleaning agents to get rid of all contaminants, eliminating bacteria and viruses. While subjected to fans and blowers, they likewise use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to clear the air. Mold spores are discouraged from adhering to surface areas and increasing when cleansing and moisture removal is successful. For mold removal in Wayne, MI, click here.
Wrapping It Up
Occurrences like flooding ought to be taken seriously and handled right away. To prevent further damage and regrettable health and safety problems, ask remediation professionals to evaluate the situation. They will be able to give appropriate suggestions on what needs to be done, whether cleaning is sufficient or if reconstruction is necessary.
