The Health Department has advised the flood-affected to take necessary precautions against snakebites, electrocution, and epidemics while returning to their homes from relief camps.
In case of snakebites, the victims should remain calm and be provided first aid at the earliest. Panicking will increase the blood flow, causing the venom to spread. There is no need to tie a cloth or rope above the wound as it may lead to damage of cells. Make the victim lie flat and arrange transportation to the nearest medical facility as soon as possible.
In case of electric shock, first turn off the source of electricity in a safe manner. Make sure that the heart beat and breathing are normal and if the victim falls unconscious, keep the head in a position that causes no difficulty in breathing. Those who have suffered injuries should be given tetanus toxoid (TT) shots from the medical camps or mobile units currently functioning in various locations.
Boil and drink
Drink only boiled water to prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and jaundice.
Water should be super chlorinated prior to using it in kitchens and for washing. Watch out for symptoms like excessive thirst, dry lips and skin, drowsiness, lack of urine, and yellowish urine.
Rat fever
Leptospirosis or rat fever is caused by a bacteria transmitted by rodents, cattle, dog, cat, and other animals. People who come into contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine or excreta of the infected animals are at considerably higher risk of contracting the disease.
Get immediate medical help in case of symptoms such as fever, severe headache, muscle pain, yellowish urine, and redness in the eyes. People who have been working in dirty water as part of rescue operations or post-flood cleaning should take Doxycycline tablets as a preventive measure.
Vector control
Vector-control measures should be intensified and the authorities should be alerted if mosquito-breeding sites are found. Medical assistance should sought for skin diseases and other infections, including conjunctivitises, according to District Medical Officer V.V. Shirley.
