There are several transmission of diseases caused by rains and floods.
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA — Rain is often a tempting playtime for children. However, in many situations, playing in the rain is also not recommended because the bad effects of rain, especially in the event of a flood, not only cause natural disasters but also become a medium for the spread of various diseases.
Floods have a medium to long term impact on health, one of which is increasing water and vector borne disease transmission. Pediatrician, sub-specializing in Tropical Infectious Diseases and the Central Executive of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association, Dr. Nina Dwi Putri, SpA(K), MSc (TropPaed), said that there are several modes of transmission caused by rain and flooding. Some diseases can be transmitted through contaminated water and the hygiene of the living environment which can be worsened by rain or flooding.
“The first is Dengue. Stagnant water can be used as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and has the potential to increase exposure to dengue infection. Dengue virus infection is one of the common diseases that attacks children and adults in the rainy season. It occurs in the tropics,” said Nina. Jakarta, Friday (25/2/2022).
Symptoms of dengue fever include rash, high fever, and others. Anticipation can be done by applying 3M plus eradicating mosquito nests and avoiding mosquito bites. The second disease is a fungal infection because the skin becomes moist and wet all the time, the possibility of a fungal infection is quite high. The skin must remain dry at all times.
“Ask your children to dry themselves after coming home. Fungus often breeds when the skin is moist and not exposed to air,” she says.
The third is leptospirosis. This disease is transmitted through skin or mucous membrane contact with soil, mud, or water contaminated with the urine of rodents infected with Leptospira bacteria. Even if the child has a small cut on his leg.
Children must be careful not to enter contaminated water,” he said.
The next disease is gastrointestinal infections caused by poor sewage systems, poor hygiene, overcrowding, and unhealthy water consumption during floods. To avoid infection from contaminated food and water, ask children to drink clean and cooked foods, and eat healthy foods.
Next up, is influenza. An infection characterized by fever, muscle and head pain, painful swallowing, lethargy, and may be accompanied by symptoms of a respiratory tract infection.
“It is difficult to distinguish it from the symptoms of COVID-19. For this reason, a SARS-CoV-2 swab examination is needed,” he said.
Sixth is conjunctivitis. Infection of the eye which is characterized by pain, red eyes, not strong light, watery, can be accompanied by dirt and stickiness.
“This infection is easily contagious, so keep the sick away, don’t share towels and other items, and wash your hands often, in order to suppress the transmission of typhoid or typhoid fever,” he said.
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