ID :
155453
Thu, 12/30/2010 - 17:37
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/155453
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Qld, NSW floods spark health concerns
Flood-stricken communities already suffering crop loss, destruction and evacuations
now face a range of possible health risks arising from the inundation of water,
experts say.
People living in affected parts of Queensland and NSW may be hit by an influx of
mosquitoes which could potentially spread viruses, while others may be exposed to
dirty drinking water.
Queensland Health is advising people that dirty-coloured or cloudy water could be
contaminated and should be boiled for at least three minutes before drinking.
If that's not an option, household chlorine bleach can be used as a disinfectant,
Acting Chief Health Officer Aaron Groves said.
Six drops should be added to one litre of water and left for at least 30 minutes,
and the smell and taste of the chemical will disperse if left overnight.
If the water is muddy, it should be strained through a clean cloth before boiling or
treating, Dr Groves said.
Any food damaged by floods should be thrown out, he added.
NSW health director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty also urged vigilance.
Extra mozzies means residents are at higher risk of diseases such as Barmah Forest
virus and Ross River virus, with symptoms that could last months, he said.
No specific treatment available for either virus.
More serious infections carried by mosquitoes such as Murray Valley Encephalitis -
which can cause a brain infection - is more rare but has been found in western NSW
in recent years.
"Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections can cause unpleasant symptoms
including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints," Dr McAnulty said.
"These symptoms usually last a few days, but some people may experience more
debilitating symptoms for weeks and occasionally even months," he said.
People are advised to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves
and trousers, and apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed skin.
At home, people should ensure their windows are fitted with flyscreens and doors,
and use a insecticide aerosol spray about half an hour before going to bed.
now face a range of possible health risks arising from the inundation of water,
experts say.
People living in affected parts of Queensland and NSW may be hit by an influx of
mosquitoes which could potentially spread viruses, while others may be exposed to
dirty drinking water.
Queensland Health is advising people that dirty-coloured or cloudy water could be
contaminated and should be boiled for at least three minutes before drinking.
If that's not an option, household chlorine bleach can be used as a disinfectant,
Acting Chief Health Officer Aaron Groves said.
Six drops should be added to one litre of water and left for at least 30 minutes,
and the smell and taste of the chemical will disperse if left overnight.
If the water is muddy, it should be strained through a clean cloth before boiling or
treating, Dr Groves said.
Any food damaged by floods should be thrown out, he added.
NSW health director of health protection Jeremy McAnulty also urged vigilance.
Extra mozzies means residents are at higher risk of diseases such as Barmah Forest
virus and Ross River virus, with symptoms that could last months, he said.
No specific treatment available for either virus.
More serious infections carried by mosquitoes such as Murray Valley Encephalitis -
which can cause a brain infection - is more rare but has been found in western NSW
in recent years.
"Ross River and Barmah Forest virus infections can cause unpleasant symptoms
including tiredness, rash, fever, and sore and swollen joints," Dr McAnulty said.
"These symptoms usually last a few days, but some people may experience more
debilitating symptoms for weeks and occasionally even months," he said.
People are advised to wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes with long sleeves
and trousers, and apply mosquito repellent regularly to exposed skin.
At home, people should ensure their windows are fitted with flyscreens and doors,
and use a insecticide aerosol spray about half an hour before going to bed.
