Flood disasters have many harmful effects, not only damaging property, but also increasing health risks. The frequency of floods has caused the level of awareness about waterborne diseases to steadily decline.
Public Health Medicine Specialist at the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department, Dr Misliza Ahmad, said that floods are not merely a physical disaster, but also carry serious health implications for the community.
Diseases That Commonly Occur During the Flood Season
- Skin diseases — Contaminated floodwater can cause ringworm, scabies, or festering wounds.
- Leptospirosis (Rat Urine Disease) — Leptospira bacteria in floodwater contaminated with rat urine can cause fever, muscle aches, and vomiting.
- Diarrhoea and vomiting — Due to contaminated water and food, gastrointestinal infections often occur.
- Vector-borne diseases (Mosquitoes) — Stagnant water after floods becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika.
How to Prevent Disease During & After Floods
- Wear shoes or foot protection when walking through flooded areas
- Wash your hands with soap after being exposed to floodwater
- Avoid eating food that has come into contact with floodwater
- Watch for disease symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting
Floods bring more than just property damage — they can also threaten our health. So, with the right preventive measures, the risk of disease can be reduced. If you’re facing this flood situation and feel unwell, get treatment promptly.
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