As floodwaters recede across South East Queensland and the clean-up begins following ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, residents are urged to be aware of hidden health and safety risks in the murky waters and mud.
Floodwater is often contaminated by sewerage, animal and household waste and may contain bacteria that pose a risk of soil-borne diseases and other infections, including skin infections, diarrhoea and conjunctivitis.
Infections such as melioidosis and leptospirosis are uncommon but serious diseases caused by bacteria found in soil and water, however they mostly occur in North Queensland and northern Australia.
While these soil-borne diseases are more prevalent in northern parts of the country, residents in all regions should take precautions against all infections during flood clean-up activities by wearing protective clothing and footwear.
It’s important people avoid walking or wading through floodwater and mud as much as possible – particularly if they have open wounds or broken skin.
If people need to wade through shallow floodwater or mud or are handling items that have come into contact with floodwater, it’s important to wear water-resistant or enclosed footwear and wear protective gloves.
Health and safety after flooding
To minimise health risks when cleaning up after floods, Queensland Health urges people to:
- wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including enclosed footwear, gloves, and mask and protective eyewear if required
- wash hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitiser after contact with floodwater or mud
- cover cuts, abrasions, or sores to prevent infection
- wash skin with clean water after contact with flood affected water, soil or mud
- check with their health care provider if they sustain a wound for advice on tetanus vaccination
- be careful when cleaning mould - don’t use a dry brush as it can spread mould and release spores into the air.
Protect yourself from illness
Queenslanders are also reminded to make sure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccination, especially if handling floodwater contaminated materials.
Tetanus is contracted through a cut or wound which may become contaminated by the bacteria, with exposure to contaminated floodwater, mud or objects increasing your risk of infection.
Tetanus causing bacteria can enter through both big and small cuts, so be vigilant.
Vaccination is the best protection against tetanus. All Queenslanders are recommended to get a tetanus booster dose at least every ten years to stay protected.
However, if anyone cleaning up in a flood affected area gets a cut or wound, they may need a tetanus booster vaccination if it has been more than five years since their last one and should check with their health provider for advice.
Proper wound care is also important to prevent infections.
Infected wounds are common following flood events due to contact with contaminated water, mud and objects, and they can have serious effects on your health if not treated promptly and properly.
Cuts and simple wounds should be cleaned using clean, fresh water and gauze, followed by the application of an antiseptic if available and covered with a waterproof dressing.
Do not scrub at embedded dirt and seek medical attention if there is a lot of dirt or debris.
You should seek medical attention for wounds that become red or sore, or if you develop a fever or infection after contact with floodwater or mud.
Food safety
Residents in affected areas should also be mindful of safe food and medicine consumption.
Food, liquids and medicines that have come into contact with contaminated floodwater can cause serious illness and should be thrown out.
Any unrefrigerated perishables that have not been safely stored, partially thawed foods, damaged canned goods and packages with leaking or missing labels should also be thrown out.
More information on food safety after a disaster is available on the Queensland Health website.
People should also be wary of using porous food preparation materials that have been in contact with floodwaters, such as wooden chopping boards, which can soak up contaminated substances. If in doubt throw it out.
Mould after flooding
Mould in the home can also be a serious health and safety risk. When returning to a flood-affected house or building, dry your home out quickly by opening all the doors and windows. If possible, use fans, or air-conditioners on dry mode, to speed up the process.
If porous items that can’t be easily cleaned have been wet for more than two days, they should be thrown out. This includes items such as mattresses, carpet, leather goods and ceiling insulation.
Tips for cleaning mould from surfaces and minimising mould growth is available on the Queensland Health website.
If you have any health concerns, you can call 13 HEALTH. Phone Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
For further health advice after a disaster, visit the Queensland Health website.