JAKARTA - Floods have surrounded a number of areas in Jakarta, since New Year's Eve or on Wednesday, January 1 yesterday. Even though in several locations, the floods have started to recede and leave a puddle, the people of the capital city still need to be vigilant.
This is because people affected by flooding are susceptible to disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) said there are several health conditions to watch out for when in a flooded area.
"There are several increased risks of infection due to water-borne diseases and direct contact with contaminated water. Among them are infections, dermatitis, conjunctivitis, ENT infections," wrote the WHO.
WHO said that some common diseases that can be caused by flood water include typhoid fever, cholera, leptospirosis, and hepatitis A. This is possible because of the contaminated water.
Water that overflows or inundates an area can also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes or other insects. Generally, diseases arising from insects, such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and elephantiasis.
If you are in refugee camps, try to keep your body in a fit condition by wearing closed clothes. Use a protective cream from mosquito bites.
Avoid stagnant flood water, if you have to try to immediately clean yourself with clean water. Summarized from Hellosehat, standing water can be an intermediary for viral and bacterial diseases due to dirty water.
Always try to wear footwear when in a flooded area. This is done to prevent sharp shards such as wire, glass or wood from floating and sinking during the flood. If you accidentally get a sharp object during a flood, clean the wound immediately and do not allow it to avoid the tetanus virus.
Another disease that may occur after the floods, is cholera. Generally, this disease is transmitted through food or water sources that have been contaminated with the Vibrio Cholerae bacteria. This disease can affect both adults and children.
As reported by Alodokter, this disease is generally transmitted through food or drink contaminated with bacteria. This condition is usually endemic in areas that are densely populated and have dirty environments.
"If forced to hit a flood, always try to maintain personal hygiene. Always diligently wash your hands with running water using soap, especially before eating and after going to the toilet," quoted from the alodokter page.
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