Hurricane: Water, Mold, and Disease Risks Explained

Hurricane ⁣season‌ can​ bring formidable and potentially life-threatening conditions—from ‍fierce winds​ and flooding to crippled ⁤infrastructure and ⁣disease spread. When extreme weather strikes, safety depends on preparation, ⁣vigilance, and knowing how to respond in⁣ an emergency.

Contaminated water,⁣ toxic mold, ‌and rampant infection are like⁢ invisible predators ⁤waiting ⁢to strike those caught‍ off ‍guard. Awareness of‌ post-hurricane hazards can help overcome them.

1. Toxic Chemicals and Raw ‌Sewage in Water

Dr. Sharon Nachman,‌ chief of pediatric‍ infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s ‌Hospital, told The Epoch Times that our first consideration should be ​whether water sources are contaminated.

“Anyone who has‌ water ⁤that would have been ⁢well water⁤ or anything like that,⁢ they need to think about where does the‌ water come from,” she said.

In hurricane-prone regions like⁢ Florida, water can be tainted not ⁣just by seawater from ⁣storm surges⁣ but also by pathogens from⁣ overwhelmed sewage and water treatment systems, Dr. Nachman said.

“Remember,⁤ a lot of​ our [waste] water from our municipalities gets treated and then ‍dumped into rivers ​and lakes,” she added, noting the importance of⁣ boiling water before⁣ using it for cooking or drinking.

Beyond the hazards of drinking contaminated water are the risks that flooded ​waters⁢ harbor bacteria⁣ that can infect wounds.

“The next thing that I⁣ really think about, though, is: What are the bacteria that‌ are in water now that you could⁢ get a cut on your leg or your arm or something?” she said.

Dr. ⁤Nachman also worries about‌ people‌ wading through floodwaters carrying belongings with⁤ open⁣ cuts on their ‌legs or arms. She specifically warned of Vibrio vulnificus, a​ flesh-eating ⁤bacteria that thrives in salty water and can enter the body through⁢ open cuts, causing severe‌ wound infections.

“Anyone that’s out‍ there wading in the water or walking in the water, you know, they’re wearing ⁤sandals or ⁤flip flops and they get a cut. We​ need to think seriously about‌ what does that [wound] look like?” Dr. Nachman said.

Danger signs​ of infection include the wound becoming red and ⁣tender, feeling hot to the touch, and appearing to get ⁣progressively worse. If‍ a⁢ wound exhibits ​these warning signs, ⁤seeking medical attention as soon as ⁢possible is recommended.

2. Mold Often Comes After Flooding

Hurricanes⁣ often cause mold outbreaks in ⁤homes​ due to increased humidity and moisture. While mold may⁣ not⁤ pose⁤ immediate health risks, prolonged exposure can⁤ become​ hazardous.

Common symptoms of mold exposure include nasal⁢ congestion, wheezing, ⁤red or itchy eyes, and skin irritation.

To prevent mold growth post-hurricane, it is‌ crucial ‌to promptly clean up standing ⁤water⁢ and thoroughly dry out all affected⁣ areas. ‍If you detect signs of mold, like musty odors or visible growth, take swift action to clean ⁤and ​contain⁢ it.