In the midst of rain and flooding, the risk of disease lurks for field workers

JAKARTA - Entering the rainy season which is often accompanied by flooding, the risk of spreading various infectious diseases needs to be a serious concern. Waterlogging, humid environment, and limited access to hygiene can trigger health disorders, especially for groups who still have to carry out activities outdoors.

Early vigilance is the key to preventing more serious health impacts in the midst of extreme weather conditions.

Lecturer in Child Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, YARSI University, DR. dr. Wan Nedra Komaruddin, Sp.A, reminded field workers to increase health awareness while on duty in the rain and flood to prevent various potentially serious infectious diseases.

Wan Nedra, who is also the owner of the Asshomadiyah Medicare Centre Clinic, said field workers such as journalists, expedition couriers, and other technical officers have a higher health risk because they are often exposed to dirty rainwater and flooding.

"Field workers face a fairly serious risk of disease, ranging from leptospirosis, skin infections, diarrhea, to respiratory tract infections," said Wan Nedra as quoted by ANTARA.

He explained that leptospirosis is one of the diseases that need to be watched out for because it is caused by bacteria from the urine of rats or other animals that contaminate flood waters.

The bacteria can enter through small wounds on the skin and cause high fever, muscle pain, and kidney and liver disorders if not treated immediately.

In addition, exposure to dirty water for a long time can also trigger skin infections such as dermatitis, boils, and fungi, as well as increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea and typhoid fever due to bacteria and viruses.

The humid and cold environment, he continued, also increases the risk of respiratory tract infections, including flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Wan Nedra emphasized that the most important step that field workers must take after being exposed to flood water is to clean themselves as soon as possible.

"Immediately take a shower with clean water and soap, especially on parts of the body that are in direct contact with flood water. Even the smallest wounds must be cleaned and given antiseptic," he said.

He also advised workers to immediately change wet clothes and footwear, and clean work equipment such as boots and gloves so that they do not become a source of disease transmission.

If in a few days symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, or purulent wounds appear, he urges workers to immediately check themselves to health facilities.

As a preventive measure, Wan Nedra recommends the use of personal protective equipment such as waterproof boots, gloves, and raincoats, as well as carrying personal supplies in the form of antiseptic soap and spare socks.

He also recommends consuming vitamin C, vitamin B complex, zinc, and multivitamins to help maintain body resistance during work in extreme weather conditions.

In addition, field workers are advised to carry basic medicines such as wound antiseptic, antifungal medicine, diarrhea medicine, and oralit, and ensure that the tetanus vaccination status is still protected.

"Good preparation and clean living habits are very important so that field workers remain healthy, safe, and productive even though they have to work in extreme weather conditions," said the Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Management (PDNU) Jakarta Raya.