A health expert has warned Australians what to do and what not to do if they come into contact with floodwaters during Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Tens of thousands of residents in low-lying areas of northern NSW have been told to evacuate immediately or closely monitor river levels as rain falls ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s arrival.
The SES has issued more than 100 flood warnings stretching from Tweed Heads on the Queensland-NSW border down to Forster, north of Newcastle.
Several flood watches are also in place in Queensland as the state’s south-east cops heavy rainfall.
Sky News Australia meteorologist Rob Sharpe said the worst aspect of the cyclone “is probably going to end up being the flooding rainfall”.
Public health professor at the University of Queensland Simon Reid said the “most urgent” health risk that could affect people if they come into contact with floodwaters is leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis can be caused by direct or indirect contact with mud and water, with the first symptoms occurring within about a week of exposure.
Symptoms include high fever, sore muscles, eyes and a headache.
“The most common factors are people entering water or coming into contact with mud, especially when cleaning up. The bacteria enters the body through cuts/abrasions and mucous membranes (the pink lining of eyelids, nose and mouth),” Professor Reid said.
“This is a potentially fatal disease in rare cases where multiple organs can be involved. If it is treated early (within 3 days of symptoms) then it is easily treated with a course of antibiotics. The main message is for people to present early to their GP or hospital if they have symptoms following exposure.”
Professor Reid said cellulitis could also affect people if they have any cuts or abrasions that are infected.
“People need to keep cuts and abrasions clean, disinfected and managed with dressings. If they notice red and painful swelling or they have a fever then they should immediately consult a GP to get proper management,” he urged.
He also said damage to sewage infrastructure could lead to faeces entering floodwater or water supply, which could cause diseases such as gastroenteritis.
“The main prevention is to follow directions regarding avoidance of floodwater, boil water if instructed to do so. If anyone has symptoms for longer than three days or they are beginning to feel incapacitated, then they should seek medical care,” he said.
“The standard treatment is rest, reduce food intake, drink plenty of water/rehydration fluids. Care must be taken looking after young children and older adults who can be more vulnerable to the fluid and electrolyte loss that occurs.”
