During the rainy season, diseases arise that put our health at risk. Know some measures to take care of your family.
What preventive measures should I follow during the rains?
- Stay alert to the communications of the authorities and the measures established by the Civil Protection Directorate
- Don’t risk your life trying to cross streams
- Do not throw garbage into the water stream
- Locate temporary shelters and shelters in your municipality
- If you are in a shelter and have any symptoms or suffer from any illness, notify the health team of the place
- Make sure that the water for human consumption is drinkable
What preventive measures should I follow after the rains?
- Eliminate mosquito breeding sites and apply insecticide at home
- If you have fever or diarrhea, go to the nearest health center
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing repellent or clothing that covers most of the body such as long pants and long-sleeved blouses or shirts
- Apply insecticide in your home
How to prevent diseases in this rainy and hot season?
In times of rain and high temperatures there is a greater risk of contracting certain diseases. Due to flooding and probable contamination of wells with drinking water, the population is exposed to conditions such as gastroenteritis, diarrhea, dehydration, dermatitis, dengue (classic and / or hemorrhagic) and even respiratory diseases.
To avoid all this, it is necessary that you take into account the following recommendations:
- Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom
- Use toilets or latrines (proper human waste management)
- Do not use stagnant water for consumption or cleaning
- Watch the proper preparation of food
- Get rid of things that can collect water
- Put mosquito nets on doors and windows
- If possible, use insect replants
- Make sure both the patio and the roof of your house are clean and do not accumulate water
- Remove the grass that can serve as a den for the dengue transmitting mosquito
It is important to remember that the combination of humidity, flooding and high temperatures is an important factor that allows the reproduction of dengue mosquitoes.
After the flood
- Avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water. As little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
- Do not drink flood water or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash or prepare food. Drink clean and safe water.
- If you had to evacuate your home, return only after local authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Listen for warnings that water should be boiled. Local authorities will advise you if the water is safe for drinking and bathing.
- While a water use recommendation is in effect, use only bottled, boiled, or treated water for drinking, cooking, etc.
- If in doubt, throw it out! Throw away any food or bottled water that came in or may have come in contact with flood water.
- Prevent Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning. Use generators at least 20 feet away from any door, window, or vents. If using a pressure washer, make sure the motor is outside and is at least 20 feet from doors, windows, or vents. Never start the car or truck engine inside the garage if it is attached to the house, even with the gate open.
