In the wake of inclement weather…Public Health Ministry puts nation on high alert

Dec 14, 2016 News

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Inclement weather has started and is likely to continue until January of next year. This weather pattern has been known to encourage the prevalence of a number of waterborne diseases, including leptospirosis and gastroenteritis.

Yesterday the Ministry of Public Health through its Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Shamdeo Persaud, issued an advisory which has served to put the nation on high alert about potential threats linked to the rainy season. The Ministry is essentially calling on all and sundry to take precautionary measures at this time.
According to the CMO, “in light of the increased rainfall and the possibility of flooding in coastal and outlying areas, the Ministry of Public Health is advising the general public to pay special attention to your health, personal hygiene, vector control, food and water safety and public health.”
In areas that are flood-prone, and have become inundated because of recent rainfall, persons are being urged to stay out of the water as much as possible, since it can greatly reduce their chance of contracting water-borne conditions such as skin infections, leptospirosis, diarrheal infection and other water-borne diseases.
Although a number of areas have traditionally become inundated after a short period of intense rainfall, efforts to clean canals and other waterways have allowed for an improved drainage system.
But Dr. Persaud has noted that “direct contact with flood waters can expose you to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases.” A particularly important measure highlighted by, Dr. Persaud is to keep children out of the water, as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. “Avoid swimming in flooded canals and trenches, as during the rainy season and floods these become contaminated and can make you sick,” said the CMO.
However, for persons who must enter flood waters, the CMO has amplified the use of protective gear such as long boots, gloves and eye protection. Added to this, persons are encouraged to prepare a foot bath of quarter cup of bleach to one bucket of water and to wash feet before entering the house.
The application of vaseline or oil to the skin is also useful since it is known to form a barrier and provide some protection from dirty water.
But water-borne diseases are not the only health challenge linked to increased rainfall.
According to Dr. Persaud, “during rainfall you may notice an increase in mosquitoes. Protect yourself and family against mosquitoes by sleeping under mosquito nets, use mosquito repellents and coils.  Ensure that all water stored around your home in containers is covered to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes. Remember, the mosquito that spreads Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus breeds in fresh, still water (especially rain water) around your home.”
It is important, the CMO noted, that persons opt to use safe water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and for making ice and beverages.
Safe water is water that is boiled for at least five minutes and stored in covered containers or sealed bottles, or water that is treated with chlorine bleach. Treating water with bleach is as simple as adding half teaspoon of bleach to a five-gallon bucket of water, and then covering and allowing it to stand for 30 minutes before use.
Also Dr. Persaud is appealing to the public to “keep food supplies away from contact with any flood water. Flood water can contaminate food supplies including dry groceries, vegetables, fruits, cooked foods and beverages. Discard all foods that have been in contact with flood waters safely, by placing them in a plastic bag and deposit in covered bins.”
According to the CMO, it is imperative that persons wash all fruits and vegetables with treated safe water and peel them before eating. He has also highlighted that persons should seek to cook foods thoroughly and consume cooked meals within two hours of preparation. All unused food should be stored safely in a refrigerator and reheated thoroughly before consuming, Dr. Persaud added.
Even outside of the rainy season, persons are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and safe water or use hand sanitizers, especially before eating meals, after going to the toilet or latrine, cleaning children or handling animals and contaminated materials.
And according to Dr. Persaud, persons should “use safe toilets or latrines to defecate and dispose of baby’s diapers in covered bins. Do not mess or let faeces get into the flood waters, drains or trenches.”
“Secure all household waste and other garbage in plastic bags and store in bins until these are properly removed to approved landfill sites. Keep garbage bins covered to prevent pests such as mosquitoes, flies, rats and roaches from entering. Do not dump garbage in drains, trenches, canals and illegal dumping areas around your community,” the CMO warned.
He also stressed the need for persons to “Watch out for animals coming into your homes. Rats, roaches, snakes, centipedes and other pests that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Keep doors and windows closed or screened to prevent them from entering your homes.”
Other safety measures that members of the public should adhere to during the rainy season, the CMO said, include turning off their main electrical switch and unplugging all appliances and moving them to safe areas of the home if it is under water. “If you suspect electrical wiring have been damaged in your home, turn off the main, and have it checked by a qualified person before turning on back the power,” Dr. Persaud has advised.
According to him, persons should also seek to secure all important equipment, supplies, medicines, clothing and other items in safe spaces in the homes.
“Place important documents and valuables in plastic and store them in a safe place,” said Dr. Persaud as he urged that “if you or any family member experiences any fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, cuts, sticks, bruises or other conditions, please seek medical attention immediately.”
The CMO has assured that the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and other hospitals’ outpatient departments throughout the country are all fully operational and equipped to provide adequate care.

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