Residents in flood-stricken parts of Far North Queensland are being warned today about health and safety hazards lurking in the murky waters.
Queensland Chief Health Officer John Gerrard said floodwaters often carry a cocktail of contaminants, including sewage, debris and animal waste, significantly increasing the risk of disease and infection.
"Contaminated floodwater and mud are breeding grounds for bacteria and debris, significantly increasing the risk of infections such as leptospirosis and melioidosis, as well as wound infections, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, and ear, nose and throat infections," he said.
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Residents should try and avoid walking or wading through floodwater and mud as much as possible, particularly if they have open wounds or broken skin.
"If you do need to enter shallow floodwater or are handling items that have come into contact with floodwater, make sure you wear water-resistant or enclosed footwear and wear protective gloves if handling soil, mud or surface water," Gerrard said.
To avoid infections during and after flooding, people should regularly wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser, especially after contact with floodwater, mud, debris, or before eating or preparing food.
Gerrard said leptospirosis and melioidosis were most common in tropical and subtropical areas during the wet season and could cause serious illness.
"Leptospirosis and melioidosis can lurk in contaminated water, soil and mud, readily entering the body through cuts, open wounds, or even contact with mouth, nose and eyes," he said.
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Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, and even red eyes, and usually develop after five to 14 days following exposure.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms within two weeks of exposure to flood water should visit their doctor.
People in flood-affected areas should also be prepared for potential contamination of the water supply through damaged infrastructure, making it unsafe to drink
"If a boil water notice is issued, it is critical people in affected bring water to a rolling boil and allow to cool before using it for drinking, brushing their teeth, washing and preparing food and drinks, preparing baby formula and making ice," Gerrard said.
Food, liquids and medicines that have come into contact with contaminated floodwater can cause serious illness and should be thrown out.
If you have health concerns, call 13 HEALTH, or phone triple-zero in an emergency.
