With the worst flood in over 50 years in Thailand that is still lingering on and building up in the Bangkok area there is the possibilities of outbreaks of disease from the massive amounts of contaminated flood waters. These long standing flood waters have human and animal waste, dead animals, possible chemical contamination from flooded factories and farms along with crocodiles, snakes and the dangers of electrocution. There are reports of crocodiles that have escaped zoos and also some African green mamba snakes that were illegally brought into Thailand that have escaped and they are extremely deadly and no anti-venom is available in the country. Some of the dangers are listed below.

Water-borne Disease

1.    ATHLETE’S FOOT

Athlete’s Foot is a common fungal infection causing flaking and itching of the skin. It is caused by dirty water and damp floors. Treatment can be done with anti-fungal creams available at local pharmacies / chemists. Advanced infections may require medical treatment by a doctor or clinic.

2.    LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by animal urine in contaminated fresh water. It can be contracted though ingestion of contaminated food or water, and through cuts in the skin. Symptoms include muscle pain, chills, fever, headache, bone pain, enlarged spleen, skin rash, and sore throat. Medical attention is required as it can be fatal if not treated. This is a common infection that can be serious after floods.

3.    CHOLERA

Cholera is a bacterial infection of the small intestine that causes severe diarrhea, usually caused by contaminated drinking water. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and excessive thirst. Medical attention often is required and patients must replace lost fluids and electrolytes quickly as excessive dehydration can cause death.

4.    TYPHOID FEVER

Typhoid fever can be contracted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria. This is extremely contagious and can be fatal if not treated. With standing polluted water containing human waste that can contaminate food and water, the possibility of a Typhoid fever outbreak is high. Symptoms include bloody stools, abdominal pain, chills, confusion, nosebleeds and fatigue. Hospitalization is required.

5.    HEPATITIS A

Hepatitis A is transmitted by contact and ingestion of foods or water contaminated with human feces containing the hepatitis A virus. Symptoms include dark urine, fatigue, vomiting, low grade fever, and yellow skin.

Vector-borne Diseases

1.    DENGUE FEVER

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include 104-105 degree fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a skin rash that looks similar to measles.

2.    Malaria

Malaria is caused by a parasite that is passed from one human to another by the bite of infected Anopheles mosquitoes. The parasites enter the blood and infect red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, bloody stool, chills, muscle pain, sweating. Need to seek medical help as soon as possible.

This entry was posted on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 9:18 pm and is filed under Latest News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.