Snakebites, electrocution, injuries, diseases caused by polluted air, contaminated water, mosquitoes and other insects and more. As water levels are receding in many places, those planning to return home in flood-hit areas should be careful about encountering these problems, says a Health Department advisory.
It cautions against panicking after snakebite, as it could lead to increased blood circulation and fast spreading of the poison in the body. The bitten body part should be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water, and the person should be asked to lie down on a flat surface.
There is no need to tie the body part tightly with cloth, which will block blood circulation. The affected person should be rushed to the next available hospital where anti-venom treatment could be provided.
In case of losing consciousness after being electrocuted, the person should be laid on a flat surface and examined if there is difficulty in breathing, before ensuring medical care. If the person is conscious, heartbeat and breathing should be examined.
Diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid, and jaundice are some of the water-borne diseases likely to be reported among the flood-hit population. Use of boiled water, super-chlorination of water sources, regular washing of hands, and avoiding dehydration are some of the precautions to be taken.
Avoiding contact with water, possibly contaminated by the urine of rats, cattle, or dogs, is one of the steps to avoid leptospirosis. Those with injuries should avoid contact with contaminated water. People engaged in cleaning should consume 200 mg of Doxycycline tablets once in a week as a precautionary measure. Breeding of mosquitoes should be prevented to avoid dengue fever, malaria, West Nile fever, and Japanese Encephalitis.
Chickenpox, H1N1 (Influenza), and viral fever are some of the air-borne diseases that are likely to be reported from flood-hit areas. Isolation of patients is a must for those diagnosed with chickenpox and H1N1 (Influenza). To avoid skin diseases and infection in eyes and ears, body should be kept dry and hands and legs should be thoroughly cleaned with chlorinated after contact with contaminated water sources. Proper treatment should be ensured even for athlete’s foot, the release added.