The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County (DOH-St. Lucie) urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding.
Skin contact with floodwaters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk to residents. However, health risks become a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain hazardous waste.
DOH-St. Lucie recommends the following to prevent illness or injury caused by floodwaters:
Basic hygiene is critical. If under a boil-water notice, use commercially bottled water to mix baby formula. Wash hands with soap and disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after using the restroom, after handling a dirty diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling objects contaminated with floodwater or sewage.
Do not eat or drink anything that has been contaminated with floodwaters.
Avoid contact with floodwaters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
If you have open cuts or sores and come into contact with floodwaters, thoroughly wash the area with soap to prevent infection. If a wound becomes red, swollen, or oozes, seek medical attention immediately.
Residents who suffer lacerations or puncture wounds are advised to contact their primary healthcare provider to ensure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccine and possibly receive a booster.
Vibrio vulnificus
Risk factors: People with compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk of contracting Vibrio vulnificus.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, rapid or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.
When to seek medical attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters.
If you are on a septic system and your plumbing is running slowly:
Conserve water as much as possible; the less water you use, the less wastewater your septic tank must process. Minimize the use of your washing machine.
Do not pump out the septic tank. Exceptionally high groundwater levels can crush a septic tank that has been pumped. If the underlying problem is high groundwater levels, pumping the tank does nothing to resolve that issue.
If your well is flooded:
Heavy rains may have made your well water unsafe to drink. If you are unsure about the impact of flooding on your well water, use bottled water or boil water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, and washing areas of skin that have been cut or injured.
If your well is affected by floodwaters, it may contain disease-causing organisms, making it unsafe for consumption.
For more questions about well water testing, contact the St. Lucie Department of Health and Environmental Public Health at 772-873-4931.
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