From snakebites to electrocution: Major health risks follow from hurricanes – National

In the wake of two catastrophic hurricanes, Milton and Helene, the southern US is experiencing widespread destruction, power outages and mounting health concerns.

Hurricane Milton tore through Florida on Wednesday evening, compounding the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene just weeks earlier. The region now faces widespread power outages, contaminated water and a severe shortage of medical facilities, all of which pose significant threats to public health.

Storm surges from Hurricane Milton remain a major concern in many parts of Florida, while tropical storm warnings are still in effect along much of the east-central coast. Flooding is expected to worsen as rivers rise and saturated ground struggles to absorb more water.

“First and foremost there are the water risks. And unfortunately, more people will die from drowning after the storm than actually died before the storms,” said Scott Rivkees, a professor at the Brown School of Public Health in Providence, RI

“The things we’ll be concerned about over the next week is making sure that individuals are not putting themselves at risk in terms of drowning, the risk of electrocution, the risk of injury, and making sure that individuals avoid contaminated water, both in terms of local fame and in terms of drinking,” he told Global News.

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Echoing these concerns, the Florida Department of Health said Tuesday issued an opinion warning residents to avoid flooding to avoid exposure Vibrio vulnificusa potentially life-threatening bacterium that lives in water.

“Vibrio bacteria, which are common in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water,” the department said. “After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria can increase, especially in brackish and saltwater environments.”

It is not just the immediate flooding and short-term effects that pose a risk.

Studies warn that after hurricanes pass, people may experience long-term health problems, including respiratory illnesses, worsening of chronic conditions, pregnancy complications, and increased rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

Floodwaters can contain a variety of pollutants, including bacteria, chemicals, oil, petrochemicals and sewage, all of which pose serious health risks.

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“One of the things we’re also concerned about in terms of brackish areas is that there is a very aggressive bacteria… so if an individual goes into the water, especially with open wounds or if they have a weakened immune system, they also a particular risk of various types of infections. types of skin infections,” Rivkees said.

“So if someone has been in the water and has a wound and they start to see redness, they should seek immediate medical attention for that.”

There is also an increased risk of allergies and asthma due to standing water in the area. Damp buildings and waterlogged objects can promote the growth of mold and bacteria, which can cause allergic reactions and lead to the development or worsening of asthma.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America has warned that mold can grow in unexpected places after a flood and will not simply disappear when the water dries up. The species can thrive in furniture or under carpets, making it difficult to detect.

To address this risk, the foundation recommends wearing a mask when returning home after a flood, throwing away any flooded items and considering hiring professional cleaners for the cleaning process.

In addition to mold and bacteria, flood water poses another significant risk, especially in Florida. Rivkees warned that this could lead to an increase in mosquito numbers and could invite poisonous snakes into your home or garden.

“When these storms come through, it disrupts the natural habitat. There are a number of venomous snakes in Florida. Water moccasins are something we are concerned about. They go into brush piles, so as individuals are clearing brush and removing debris, this is something they need to be very aware of,” he said.

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After a hurricane, floodwaters often mix with sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste. This contamination can lead to the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites in the water supply, making it unsafe to drink, FEMA mentions this on its website.

This contaminated water can cause a variety of health problems such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea and vomiting, respiratory diseases, hepatitis, dysentery and anemia, it warned.

And during a hurricane, it can also damage water treatment plans, releasing contaminants into drinking water supplies, Rivkees warned. This, combined with the fact that access to clean drinking water is often severely limited after a hurricane due to damaged infrastructure, can force people to rely on unsafe sources, further increasing the risk of illness.

“This is why it is recommended that people ensure they have at least one liter of water stored per person per day ahead of the storm,” he said.

“Some cities will proactively shut off water supplies. So it’s very important to listen to what city officials say about drinking water. Some cities will say it is safe to drink and other cities will issue a boil water advisory for that.”

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Another health risk associated with hurricanes involves downed power lines, Rivkees said.

After Hurricane Milton hit Florida on Wednesday evening, more than three million people were without power due to thousands of downed power lines.

Power lines hidden in floodwaters can pose a serious electrocution hazard because standing water can become electrically charged through submerged fallen lines or underground lines that are still live, Rivkees said. This poses a significant risk to anyone who comes into contact with the water.

“Even if the power is off, some people will be able to generate solar energy. And while the main power supplies from power stations may be turned off, you can actually get power supplies from your own solar panels in the water, which also increases the risk of electrocution,” he added.

Hurricanes also have long-term health consequences, even after the storm has passed.

For example, Rivkees explained that hurricanes can disrupt people’s routine medical care, especially for those with chronic conditions.

Many people may be unable to keep their regular doctor’s appointments and may have difficulty accessing necessary medications.

“And in terms of the mental health impact, people’s lives here are being disrupted and some families will suffer terrible tragedies. Schools will be disrupted. Work will be disrupted. Some people will lose their homes and their belongings, and there will be a mental health toll that we may actually see after these storms,” he said.