Thailand Warns of Health Risks After Floodwaters Recede, From Disease to Injuries and Venomous Animals

Following recent flooding in parts of Thailand, several affected communities are now entering the recovery and cleanup phase as water levels gradually recede. However, health authorities are warning that the disappearance of floodwater does not necessarily mean that the health risks have ended. In some cases, the days and weeks after flooding can bring a different set of concerns, from contaminated mud and stagnant water to injuries, infectious diseases, mosquitoes and displaced venomous animals.

As residents begin cleaning homes, removing debris and returning to their daily routines, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) is urging people in flood-affected areas to remain cautious. Contact with contaminated water or soil, unsafe food and drinking water, cuts and wounds during cleanup, and standing water around homes can all create additional health risks even after the immediate flooding has subsided.

Dr. Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, said the agency continues to closely monitor the flooding situation and its potential impact on public health while supporting local authorities with medical supplies, disease-prevention equipment and surveillance measures.

The DDC has instructed health agencies in affected areas to remain alert for diseases and other health threats that may emerge both during flooding and throughout the recovery period.

The Danger Does Not End When the Water Recedes

For many communities, the period after flooding is when extensive cleanup begins. Mud, garbage and contaminated materials may remain inside homes and surrounding areas, while damaged buildings and debris can create risks that are less visible than the floodwater itself.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about exposure to contaminated water and soil, unsafe food and drinking water, mosquito breeding sites and animals displaced by flooding.

Through the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 1 in Chiang Mai, the DDC has provided supplies including flood-relief kits, rubber boots, mosquito repellent and face masks to support residents and personnel working in affected communities.

Additional supplies are also being prepared, including face masks, mosquito repellent and rapid diagnostic tests for diseases requiring closer surveillance during and after flooding.

Health authorities are monitoring conditions associated with exposure to contaminated floodwater and mud, unsafe food and drinking water, mosquitoes and other disease vectors.

Diseases of particular concern include leptospirosis, dengue, COVID-19 and gastrointestinal infections, including cholera.

Floodwater and Mud Can Increase the Risk of Leptospirosis

Dr. Saowanee Wibulsanti, Director of the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 1, Chiang Mai, said health risks can remain during the recovery period because homes and communities may still contain stagnant water, mud, waste and other contaminants.

One important concern is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be associated with exposure to water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions and potentially through mucous membranes. People with open wounds should therefore avoid direct contact with floodwater and mud whenever possible.

Those involved in post-flood cleanup are advised to wear protective equipment such as rubber boots and gloves.

Be Careful of Cuts, Falls and Other Injuries During Cleanup

Infectious diseases are not the only concern after a flood.

Damaged buildings, debris, broken materials and objects hidden beneath muddy water can increase the risk of falls, cuts and puncture wounds.

Anyone who is injured while cleaning a flood-affected area should promptly wash and clean the wound and seek advice from a nearby healthcare facility when appropriate. Medical professionals can assess the wound and determine whether tetanus vaccination or other treatment is needed.

Residents should also be cautious when entering or cleaning areas that have been flooded, particularly when visibility is poor or debris remains on the ground.

Watch for Venomous Animals and Mosquito Breeding Sites

Flooding can displace animals from their normal habitats, increasing the possibility that people may encounter snakes, venomous animals and disease-carrying animals around homes and communities.

Residents should inspect areas carefully before moving debris or reaching into dark, concealed spaces.

Standing water left behind after flooding should also be removed wherever possible because containers, puddles and other water-holding areas can become breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Reducing stagnant water around homes is an important step in limiting mosquito populations and lowering the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue.

Food and Drinking Water Safety Remains Important

Flooding can contaminate food preparation areas and water supplies.

The DDC advises people in affected communities to eat freshly cooked food, drink clean and safe water and wash their hands regularly with soap.

Food or drinking water stored in containers that were not properly sealed during flooding should be avoided if contamination is possible.

Maintaining basic food and water hygiene remains particularly important during the recovery period, when sanitation systems and household facilities may still be disrupted.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention?

People who have been exposed to floodwater or have recently stayed in a flood-affected area should pay attention to unusual symptoms.

The DDC advises seeking medical attention if symptoms such as high fever, headache, muscle pain  particularly pain in the calves  red eyes, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea develop following flood exposure.

Patients should tell healthcare professionals about their recent contact with floodwater or mud, as this information can help physicians assess possible flood-related infections and determine appropriate testing and treatment.

Health Risks May Continue Even After the Water Is Gone

The Department of Disease Control is urging residents in affected and at-risk areas to continue following updates and health guidance from local authorities.

Although receding floodwaters are an important step toward recovery, the period afterward can bring a different set of health risks  from contaminated mud and standing water to injuries, mosquitoes and displaced animals.

Protective clothing during cleanup, safe food and drinking water, proper wound care, removal of mosquito breeding sites and early medical attention when symptoms develop can all help reduce health risks as communities recover from flooding.

 

Source : Thai Health Promotion Foundation