9 diseases that could spread after DANA in Valencia

floods They are not dangerous only because of the possibility of drowning. They also continue to pose a danger to those who suffer from them for several days afterwards. In general, until the area is cleared. And when it seems that there is a lull in the weather, a series of diseases begins. During these days, victims and volunteers who were cleaning up areas flooded by the hurricane were notified. DANA from Valencia use protective measures against diseases caused by contaminated water.

There can be many of them. We must keep in mind that this standing waters, in which they accumulated decaying corpsesboth animals and people. In addition, they are mixed with wastewater and possibly contaminated with chemicals. The range of diseases caused by these polluted waters is enormous. But there are a few that tend to be the most common in similar circumstances.

They are important to know for two reasons. On the one hand, to understand how they are transmitted and, as a consequence, look for ways to prevent them. And, on the other hand, detect symptoms as early as possible. Epidemics, as already said, are not easy, since most of these diseases are not transmitted from person to person. But many people can get sick individually.

Diseases caused by contaminated water

Diseases caused by contaminated water are very diverse. Most affects digestive systembut there are also those that cause problems respiratory or even nervous system. Many are contracted by drinking contaminated water or food that has been in contact with it, but many others can be acquired through the respiratory system, skin, or wounds. Let’s see which ones are the most common.

Legionellosis or Pontiac fever

bacteria of the genus Legionella They reproduce very well in non-chlorinated water. You can become infected without going into the water. Simply inhale contaminated spray or vapor. In fact they are very common in Jacuzzi and air conditioning systems.

Flood incidents have also occurred around the world. Sometimes a milder condition known as Pontiac fever. Its incubation period ranges from several hours to two days, and it occurs like the flu, which usually clears up on its own in a maximum of 5 days.

However, in some cases a more serious condition occurs, known as legionellosis. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 10 days and is characterized by symptoms such as fever, headaches, malaise, diarrhea, cough and, in the most severe cases, pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira, This is also a classic disease caused by contaminated water as it is transmitted through urine some animals, such as rats.

The first symptoms appear 2–30 days after contact with the bacteria. It starts with a dry cough, followed by fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain. Usually it heals without problems, but in some cases it can become complicated and lead to meningitis which could prove fatal.

Hepatitis A

Unlike other hepatitis viruses, this one is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. That is, by drinking water or food contaminated with feces of infected people or animals. Therefore, in flood situations when water supply, sewerage if you notice the absence of this disease, then it can be transmitted.

It is characterized by inflammation of the liver, which causes symptoms such as fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea and yellowing of the skin. The incubation period is 14 to 28 days and it usually heals on its own in a few weeks or months. In fact, there is no treatment, so follow-up can only be done to check the absence of liver failure.

Gastrointestinal diseases

It is logical that the most common diseases caused by polluted waters, These are the ones that affect the digestive system. This is because they are usually transmitted through the fecal route, and fecal water is often found during floods.

In many cases, it’s just mild stomach discomfort and some diarrhea. However, there are bacteria such as Vibrio choleraethe cause of cholera, which can cause watery diarrhea so severe that if not treated promptly, it leads to death from dehydration. Dysentery caused by bacteria floor Shigella.

Pathogenic microorganisms that exist on earth

People affected by the flood have been clearing mud from houses, streets and institutions for many days. Therefore, it is not unusual for them to become infected with soil pathogens when bacteria such as Clostridium tetanus. This is the reason for the famous tetanusa disease that affects the nervous system, causing severe and painful muscle spasms. They are so large that they can even cause bone fractures and, in many cases, lead to fatal airway obstruction.

The incubation period ranges from 3 to 21 days, although most often the first symptoms appear after 10 days. Fortunately, there is a vaccinebut revaccination must be administered every 10 years, so before we go to help flooded areas, we must check that we have an up-to-date vaccine.

Not all diseases are caused by contaminated water

In some cases, the cold itself can also cause an illness that has nothing to do with contaminated water. This is what happens to trench legoccurs when the feet are exposed to cold temperatures for a long time, but not long enough to reach freezing.

During floods, affected people often spend a lot of time barefoot or without proper footwear, getting stuck in the mud, leading to blisters and wounds. These are not illnesses caused by contaminated water, but it is true that wounds can become infected, making the situation even worse.

Beware of mosquitoes

Fortunately, this did not happen during the great times mosquito breeding. However, since standing waters are their favorite breeding ground, care should be taken to ensure that there are no disease-carrying insects in the vicinity of the affected regions. This would be another reason why people in Valencia could get sick after DANA.