As floods increase and more residents walk, bike or interact with the moving waters, a health warning goes out.

The Polk County Health Department says flood waters may contain fecal material, bacteria and viruses.

Wash hands with soap and water that has been boiled or disinfected before preparing or eating food, after bathroom use, cleaning up outside or handling contaminated flood water.

It's also wise to avoid eating or drinking anything that has touched flood waters.

If you must wade through standing water, bath as soon as possible and put on new clothes.

If you have open cuts or sores, be especially careful and don't come into contact with flood waters.

Those who have cuts and/or puncture wounds and have not had a tetanus vaccination in ten years, require a new booster shoot.

Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves if sewage backs into your home. Throw away absorbent household materials and clean walls and hard floors with soap and water and bleach.

Disinfect food contact surfaces and areas where small children play.

If plumbing is sluggish, lessen your use of the toilet and washing machine.

 

WELL WATER

The Florida Department of Health (DOH) advises private well owners affected by flood waters to take precautions against disease-causing organisms that may make their water unsafe to drink.

The DOH recommends one of the following:

  • Boil water before use, holding it at rolling boil for at least one minute before using it for drinking, washing, cooking, etc.
  • Disinfect water by adding 8 drops (about 1/8 tsp - this would form a puddle about the size of a dime) of plain unscented household bleach (4 to 6%) per gallon of water, and then let it stand for 30 minutes. If the water is cloudy after 30 minutes, repeat the procedure.
  •  Use a container that has a cap or cover for disinfecting and storing water to be used for drinking.
  • Use bottled water, especially for mixing baby formula.

 

After the flooding subsides: Disinfect your well using the procedures available from your local health department or provided on the Department of Health website. Also, have your water tested by your local health department or by a laboratory certified by the State to perform a drinking water analysis.

For more information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.doh.state.fl.us or www.FloridaDisaster.org.

 

RAIN MEANS MORE MOSQUITOES

The Hillsborough County Health Department reminds residents and visitors to take simple steps to protect against mosquito-borne illnesses.  

Recent heavy rainfalls in our area may cause an increase in mosquito activity.

If you have to be outdoors, take these steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:

  • Cover up.  Wear clothing that covers most of the skin
  • Use repellents.  Those with up to 30 percent DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are recommended.  Picaridin, oil of lemon, eucalyptus, and IR3535 are also effective. Some repellents are not suitable for children. Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
  • Drain standing water from areas around your home.
  • Repair torn screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.

 

Other Tips on Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites:

  • Clean out eaves, troughs, and gutters.
  • Remove old tires, or drill drain holes in those used in playgrounds.
  • Turn over or remove empty plastic pots.
  • Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
  • Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
  • Pump out bilges on boats.
  • Change water in birdbaths, animal feeding dishes, and plant trays at least once a week.
  • Remove vegetation or obstructions that prevent the flow of water in drainage ditches.