Flood victims reminded on hidden danger

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents currently affected by the flood in Kelantan and Terengganu have been reminded to be alert against health risks and hidden danger.

Hospital Beyond Borders chief executive officer Dr Mohd Lutfi Fadil Lokman said two types of risks – diseases and injury must be given attention.

He said flood victims were commonly affected by water borne diseases other than two vector borne diseases such as malaria and dengue.

“The water borne diseases are cholera and typhoid fever, leptospirosis and hepatitis A. This happens when the bacteria or virus in the water enter our body.

“Likewise, if we have an open wound, which can lead to tetanus. We may walk or swim in the flood without realising the danger such as glass fragments or rusty metal. Tetanus is caused by the bacteria present in the soil,” he told Bernama when contacted.

On vector borne diseases, Dr Mohd Lutfi Fadil said it could be transmitted by creatures or insects that breed in the water such as the aedes mosquito.

He also said parents or guardians should prevent their children from swimming in the flood water to avoid hypothermia, and to practise hand hygiene.

“And what is of utmost importance for me is to have clean water supply at the evacuation centres. Volunteer teams must be mindful of this when rendering assistance,” he said.

Meanwhile, he also reminded flood victims to be aware of harmful chemicals carried by the flood water from industrial areas and from car batteries.

Echoing similar concerns, Malaysia Civil Defence Force, Terengganu director Lieutenant Col (Civil Defence) Adam A Rahman reminded flood victims to practise good personal hygiene and maintain cleanliness of the evacuation centre they were staying in, other than monitoring the safety of their children.

He said failure to do so could increase the risk of cross infection.

“Cross infection happens when an infected person uses an item which is then used by another individual.

“Aside from cleanliness, parents must monitor and prevent their children from playing in the flood water. We fear there may be drains or slippery soil or gaping holes such as wells, besides venomous snakes,” he said.

Adam also advised flood victims upon returning home, to check the surroundings inside and outside, for venomous snakes or other harmful creatures and sharp objects carried by the flood waters.

The flood that inundated many areas in Kelantan and Terengganu has worsened where as of 8am, the number of evacuees in Terengganu has risen to 10,734 while in Kelantan, to 8,640. — Bernama