Public warned of waterborne health risks
Staff Writer | Friday February 21, 2025 14:53
Whilst the focus has largely been on property damage and evacuations, health experts urge the general public to remain cautious of disease outbreaks that can arise from prolonged exposure to floodwaters. Kalafhi Medical Centre owner, Dr Matlhogonolo Mongwa-Mouwane, has noted that floodwaters often mix with sewage, garbage, and animal waste, creating an ideal environment for bacteria, viruses, and parasites to thrive. “This significantly increases the risk of diseases such as dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever. Additionally, stagnant water left behind by floods provides a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can spread malaria, especially in low-lying areas where water accumulates,” she said. The doctor named bilharzia as another serious concern as it spreads when people come into contact with water-containing parasitic worms.
She said children who play or wade in contaminated ponds and puddles are particularly vulnerable. The destruction of toilets, septic tanks, and drainage systems further exacerbates the problem as human waste can easily mix with floodwaters, increasing the likelihood of diarrhoea disease outbreaks in densely populated areas. “Floodwaters can mix with sewage, garbage, and animal waste, creating a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, and parasites. This contamination increases the risk of illnesses such as dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.
Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water left by floods, increasing the spread of malaria, especially in low-lying areas where pools of water accumulate,” she said. Dysentery and diarrhoea illnesses cause diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), stomach cramps, vomiting, and fever. Malaria presents with fever, chills, headaches, fatigue, and sweating. Bilharzia may cause itchy skin or a rash after water exposure, later progressing to abdominal pain, diarrhoea, blood in urine or stool, and fatigue. Typhoid fever includes high fever, headache, weakness, abdominal pain, and rash. Hepatitis A symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin/eyes), loss of appetite, fatigue, and dark urine. She asked people to seek medical attention immediately when realising these symptoms, adding that early treatment prevents complications.