Preventing Seasonal Health Hazards: Residents Urged to Purify Water and Avoid Direct Contact with Floodwater

Ludhiana Hindustanabtak.com/Dinesh Bhardwaj : As extreme monsoons and flooding wreak havoc in North India, the low-lying areas of Punjab are currently grappling with the dire effects of widespread waterlogging, water contamination, and stagnant water with elevated risk of waterborne diseases.

To safeguard themselves, the residents must adopt these simple measures to minimize the vulnerability of seasonal illnesses:

Ensure Water Purity: Given the potential water contamination due to floodwaters, it is crucial to purify drinking water to eliminate harmful bacteria and pathogens. Boiling water for a minimum of one minute or utilizing water purifiers, tablets, or filtration systems are recommended methods to ensure its safety.

Avoid Direct Contact with Floodwater: Exercise caution and refrain from direct contact with floodwater, as it may contain hazardous substances, sewage, or other pollutants leading to skin infections. If unavoidable, wearing rubber boots and gloves is advisable. Afterward, thoroughly washing hands with soap and clean water is crucial.

Follow Proper Food Handling Practices: Adhere to strict standards of food preparation and storage hygiene. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables with clean water or consider peeling them before consumption. Avoid consuming raw or undercooked seafood and meats.

Utilize Mosquito Repellents: Stagnant waters and humid conditions can become the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. To prevent these, eliminate stagnant water, use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and install window screens or bed nets.

Maintain Clean Living Spaces to Avoid Respiratory Issues: To prevent respiratory infections caused by mould growth, keep living spaces dry and clean. Regularly clean and disinfect areas affected by floodwater, paying special attention to mould-prone areas.

Prioritize Personal Hygiene: Maintain good personal hygiene by regularly washing hands with soap and clean water, especially before meals and after using the toilet. When access to water is limited, utilizing hand sanitizers can serve as an alternative.

By adopting these simple yet effective measures, residents can successfully protect themselves from the health hazards associated with waterborne diseases, respiratory problems caused by mould, and other difficulties brought about by the current weather conditions. In case of persistent fever or unexplained symptoms, one must promptly seek medical attention from a physician.