Department of Public Health Update | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: Stay connected to BCN for all of our many Hurricane Mathew updates.

Press Release:

    Flooding has had a big impact on a number of areas in Beaufort County and the Health Department is reminding people of the potential public health risks associated with flash flooding.

    In relation to flooding, the main risks relate to injuries caused by hidden debris under the water, food contamination during power outages, and coming in contact with flood waters. Also, the stress and anxiety of being flooded and cleaning up can have a notable impact on mental health and wellbeing.

    The risk of becoming ill is generally low. However, as it is not always clear whether water is contaminated or not, we strongly encourage the public to be cautious and assume flood water is contaminated.

    There are a number of precautions to prevent health problems if there is a flood situation in the home. These include:

• Wherever possible try to avoid coming into direct contact with floodwater;
• Do not let children play in floodwater;
• Use rubber gloves when cleaning up;
• Wash hands after being in contact with flood water, sewage or anything contaminated by these;
• Wash children's hands regularly;
• Clean toys that have been in flood water with a disinfectant such as bleach;
• Cover cuts or open sores;
• Do not eat any food that has been in contact with flood water;
• Clean all surfaces with bleach before any food is placed on them;
• Clean wells (preferable by a professional and have well tested prior to using);
• Contact your doctor if you or a relative develops an upset stomach following flooding or sustain a major cut. The doctor may recommend tetanus shot after the wound is cleaned.

    The health department is currently monitoring the health care system for the number of diseases and risk reported related to flooding. Currently, there have not been any increases in Gastrointestinal and respiratory disease occurrences.

    For more information on food and water safety visit the FDA info page: http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm076881.htm#if

    For information related to safety visit the CDC page: http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/workersafety.html

• Contact: JaNell Lewis, MPH
•     Janell.Lewis@bchd.net