Infectious disease doctor shares health hazards to be aware of after a flood

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - As rain floods homes in the metro, or you consider traveling to Houston to help with flood relief, doctors want you to remember your own health.

An infectious disease specialist at KU Health Systems said flooding increases the risk for disease.

By drinking contaminated water, or being exposed to sewage, you’re more likely to acquire diseases like cholera, Hepatitis A, or leptospirosis, most of which create gastro-intestinal issues.

“Hand hygiene is very important,” said Dr. Dana Hawkinson. “Try not to eat or drink contaminated foods or water that may be contaminated from the floodwaters.”

If you cut yourself cleaning something that had been in contact with flood waters, Hawkinson said you’ll need to keep the wound as clean as possible.

“If you open your skin or puncture your skin, that would set you up for an increased risk of a local infection which could become pretty bad and you’d need to seek medical treatment,” the doctor explained.

Hawkinson said he doesn’t expect mosquito-borne diseases to become a problem after flooding in Houston or locally in the metro.

“Luckily, around the U.S. we don’t have problems with malaria or dengue,” he pointed out.

If you travel to Houston with a church or volunteer group to help the city recover, Hawkinson said being prepared is key. That means bringing food and clean drinking water, and packing medications.