Flood Waters Pose Their Own Risks

Houston (September 3, 2017) - In the wake of this catastrophic weather event, flooding is increasingly an issue in many of the communities around the Greater Houston area.

High-water is the most pressing threat and doctors at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic encourage everyone to adhere to the wisdom of government officials – stay inside your home as long as it is safe to do so and evacuate when an evacuation order for your area is made.

But this isn't the only concern that flooding brings – flood waters can play host to a myriad of other contaminants including communicable diseases, animals that can cause injury like ants, snakes and alligators as well as floating debris that can cause injury to those wading in the water.

"We encourage those affected by the flood to practice extreme caution and to only expose yourself to flood waters if it is absolutely necessary," said Nicholas Solomos, M.D., Family Medicine doctor at Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Allowing children – and adults – to play or wade in the flood waters is dangerous. The safest thing residents can do at this point is to shelter in place unless a mandatory evacuation order is made for your area."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline some of the potential issues residents affected by the floods could face, including:

• Diarrheal diseases – eating or drinking anything contaminated by flood water can cause diarrheal disease
• Other infectious diseases – one of great concern in the Houston area is the potential for contracting Hepatitis A – others include norovirus, rotavirus, etc.
• Wound infection – open wounds and rashes exposed to flood waters can become infected
• Trench foot – occurs when the feet are wet for long periods of time
• Chemical hazards – flood waters may have moved hazardous chemicals from their normal storage places
• Other injuries – drowning, animal and insect bites, electrical hazards, wounds (sharp objects may injure those wading in the waters)

“At this time, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is monitoring the current weather conditions and will provide updates on kelsey-seybold.com. We ask that patients seeking care check the website for frequent updates – if you are experiencing a life threatening or medical emergency, please call 9-1-1,” said Dr. Solomos.