With water levels in Chennai slowly receding, infectious disease experts warn of health risks from floods. Read to know what precautions they suggest.
Chennai residents struggling through a waterlogged road.
As the floodwaters begin to recede in Chennai after the recent deluge caused by Cyclone Michaung, health experts are raising alarms about the potential outbreak of waterborne diseases and other health-related issues.
The aftermath of such floods often brings a surge in infections and health problems, warranting immediate public health interventions and precautions.
Speaking to South First, Dr Vijayalakshmi Balakrishnan, infectious disease expert from SIMS Hospital in Chennai, warned, “With the water levels going down, we are now entering a critical phase where the risk of several infections go up and one needs to be aware of what to do when they are infected.”
These are some infections that are typically seen following floods:
Vijayalakshmi said that post-floods, there would definitely be contamination of sewage water in drinking water, leading to a significant increase in waterborne diseases like diarrhoea and typhoid.
During the floods and as the water receded, people wading through the water would be likely to experience both physical and non-physical injuries.
“People can sustain physical injuries as they wade through water and with this, they could also get leptospirosis, a bacterial infection,” she explains.
Vijayalakhsmi said that another significant concern was an infection called melioidosis.
NDRF personnel rescue a flood-affected child in Chennai. (04NDRF/X)
“This is endemic to us, but after the flood in Chennai, we could see several people coming in with an infection caused by a bacterium, Burkholderia pseudomallei,” she said.
“Flooding can increase the risk of melioidosis infections as it disturbs and disseminates the bacterium from its natural soil and water habitats, making human exposure more likely,” added the doctor.
People wading through the water, especially during clean-up activities, could come in contact with this bacteria in mud and contaminated water.
It could also enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, inhalation of contaminated dust or water droplets, or ingestion of contaminated water.
This, Vijayalakshmi said, could present with a wide range of symptoms resulting in pneumonia, abscesses, and heart infections, and could affect multiple organs of the body leading to multiple infections.
In addition to infectious diseases, skin infections, especially fungal infections, are also common post-flood concerns.
“People coming into contact with contaminated water are at a high risk of developing skin rashes and fungal infections. There is dampness of air everywhere leading to skin infections,” says Dr Girish MS, a dermatologist from Bengaluru who practises in Kerala as well and has treated several such cases of post-flood situations in that state.
Due to climatic conditions, there will also be a likely increase in flu cases, note the doctors.
“There will be an increase in respiratory infections. People coming down with flu will increase. With the climate being cooler, people will huddle in one place, increasing number of flu cases,” said Vijayalakshmi.
Meanwhile, due to dampness inside the houses due to the seepage, doctors explain that this can lead to mould allergies and other such allergies.
Asthmatics will see the worsening of their situation. Those with allergies will also see an exacerbation of sneezing, coughing, and other symptoms.
Interestingly, Vijayalakshmi explains that as opposed to the view that the post-flood time would see an increase in dengue and malaria cases, it would not happen unless the flood was followed by a drizzle.
She explained, “Immediately after the floods, dengue and malaria cases typically go down as everything will be flushed out.”
The doctor added: However, after some time if we have a slow drizzle for weeks at a stretch, then we will have a resurgence of malaria and dengue.”
She says that in 2015, during the Chennai floods, the city did not see cases of malaria and dengue as it was all flushed out and there was no rain after that.
Though ignored many times, doctors explain that mental health issues are another critical concern post-flood.
“The psychological impact of such natural disasters is profound. We expect to see an increase in cases of anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among the affected population,” said Vijayalakshmi.
Dr Madhumitha R, Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases and Infection Control specialist at MGM Healthcare, Chennai, tells South First that after a cyclone and subsequent floods, it is important to take precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Madhumitha says that the first and foremost requirement is to ensure people get access to clean water. She says that it is important to use clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene.
However, Vijayalakshmi stresses that one should expect contamination of water so it is advised to boil water for a minimum of three minutes until it comes to a roiling boil, then cool it and consume it.
Even milk should be roll-boiled for three minutes and then consumed, she adds.
People will have to clean their houses in case of dampness following the floods. Whenever there is a flood and its water enters the house, it is always best to use bleaching powder, which is chloride.
Vijayalakshmi said, “Scrub the walls using bleach, if you have water inlet tanks then use chlorine to clean the tank before letting in fresh water. Clean overhead tanks with hypochlorite which is easily available, let it dry and then store fresh water.”
Meanwhile, Madhumitha insisted that people should avoid open defecation and use designated toilet facilities as much as possible.
“People should also properly dispose of waste in designated areas to prevent the breeding of disease-causing pests, such as mosquitoes and flies,“ she said.
She adds that people should discard any perishable food that might have gotten spoilt due to floods.
“Cook food thoroughly to kill any potentially harmful bacteria or parasites,” added Madhumitha.
As a strict warning, doctors inform that people should refrain from taking over-the-counter medications and antibiotics.
Madhumitha says that people should watch out for symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, or respiratory issues, and seek medical attention promptly.
Explaining further, Vijayalakshmi says, “If one has symptoms of cough and cold, they can take paracetamol and antihistamines but definitely not antibiotics. If fever is persisting for more than 48 hours, then they should visit a doctor without fail.”
She adds, “If people pop antibiotics and come in with bad pneumonia, there will be a lot of trouble diagnosing it. Precious time just goes away. We are in a developed state and we will definitely be able to reach out to a healthcare provider. Fungal creams, antihistamines, and paracetamol are fine but beyond that, people should not self-treat themselves.”
The Chennai health authorities are ramping up efforts to mitigate these risks, including setting up medical camps in affected areas, distributing hygiene kits, and increasing public awareness about the health risks and necessary precautions post-flood.
புயல்,மழை,வெள்ளம் பாதித்த பகுதிகளுக்கு 300 நடமாடும் மருத்துவ குழு வாகனங்கள். #Masubramanian #TNHealthminister #Floodrelief #DMK4TN pic.twitter.com/roEj6vSQsU
— Subramanian.Ma (@Subramanian_ma) December 6, 2023
Vijayalakshmi said that the city is in the first phase where evacuation is still happening. Once the water recedes completely across the city, then the home cleanings and road cleanings will begin.
There will be health camps held; this is a drill that has been going on for a few years now and will continue.
People who are on the road helping others and a part of the cleaning process should also take precautions like wearing waterproof boots or shoes to minimise contact, doctors add.
The doctors also highlight the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices. “Regular hand-washing, especially before eating or preparing food, is vital. In flood-affected areas, it’s important to be extra cautious about personal hygiene to avoid infections,” said Madhumitha.
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