Practise proper hygiene, vector control, food measures amid rainy season – Health Ministry

…as CDC records coastland flooding

A dive into the rainy season has led to several precautionary measures issued by the health Ministry, in order for persons to pay special attention to their health, personal hygiene, vector control and food safety.
On Friday, there was widespread heavy rainfall across the coastal belt for several hours. It was advised that if there is any flooding, persons should stay out of the water as much as possible, as it can greatly reduce your chances of contracting diseases such as skin infections, Leptospirosis, diarrhoea and other water-borne diseases.
“Direct contact with flood waters can expose you to several germs that can lead to any of these diseases. Keep children out of the water as they are most at risk of contracting diseases. Avoid swimming in flooded canals and trenches. During the rainy season and floods these become contaminated and can make you sick,” a statement highlighted.
If there is need to venture into any area with flood waters, persons were advised to use protective gear such as long boots, gloves and eye protection. Moreover, they can prepare a foot bath of half cup of bleach to one bucket of water and wash their feet before entering the house. Applying Vaseline or oil to your skin also forms a barrier and provides some protection from dirty water.
“During rainfall you may notice an increase in mosquitoes. Protect yourself and family against mosquitoes by sleeping under mosquito nets, use mosquito repellents and coils. Ensure that all water stored around your homes in containers is covered to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes. Remember, the mosquito that spreads Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya virus breeds in fresh still water (especially rain water) around your home.”
Guyanese have been advised to use safe water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, making ice and beverages. Safe water is water that is treated with chlorine bleach in concentration of half teaspoon to five gallons of water. It should be covered and let the water stand for 30 minutes before using. Water can also be boiled.
“Keep food supplies away from contact with any flood water. Flood water can contaminate food supplies including dry groceries, vegetables, fruits, cooked foods and beverages. Discard all foods that have been in contact with flood waters safely by placing in a plastic bag and deposit in covered bins.”
It has been noted that food should be cooked thoroughly and consumed within two hours of preparation. Remaining food should be stored safely in a refrigerator and reheated thoroughly before consuming.
Before eating meals, hands should be washed hands thoroughly with soap and safe water or use hand sanitisers. This is also recommended after going to the toilet or latrine, cleaning children or handling animals and contaminated materials.
The Ministry stressed, “Secure of all household waste and other garbage in plastic bags and store in bins until these are properly removed to approved landfill sites. Keep garbage bins covered to prevent pests such as mosquitoes, flies, rats and roaches from entering. Do not dump garbage in drains, trenches, canals and illegal dumping areas around your community.”
Meanwhile, the rainy season brings warnings that animals such as rats, roaches, snakes, centipedes and other pests that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter elsewhere. As such, doors and windows should be kept closed or screened to prevent them from entering homes.
In safeguarding against electrical shocks, the notice pointed out, “Turn off the main electrical switch and unplug all appliances and move them to safe areas of your homes if your home is under water. If you suspect electrical wiring have been damaged in your home, turn off the main and have it checked by a qualified person before turning on back the power.”
If anyone experiences any fever, coughing, vomiting, diarrhoea, skin rash, cuts, sticks, bruises or other conditions, they are asked to seek medical attention immediately. The outpatient department of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and those of other hospitals are fully operational and equipped to provide adequate care.

Coastland flooding
Meanwhile, the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) on Friday said that it had received several reports of flood impacts along the country’s coastland. Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) and Four (Demerara-Mahaica) were significantly affected, with an average of four inches of flood water.
Wakenaam and Leguan in the Essequibo River, and Parika and Vergenoegen on the Eastern Bank of the Essequibo River had reported rising water levels in trenches and drains.
That, the CDC said, resulted in overtopping onto roadways and into the Parika Market area.
“Residents in the communities have not reported any household impacts and the authorities on the ground have indicated that all kokers and sluices are currently operational. Along the Western Coast of Demerara, areas such as Stewartville; Hague; and Pouderoyen have reported flooding in many residential streets due to the heavy rainfall. At the time of this report no water has seeped into households. Irrigation measures are in place in several communities in the region and authorities will continue to monitor the developing situation,” the CDC statement read.
It added that in Region Four, the city of Georgetown flooded in many areas.
“Additionally, there has been a report of a high wind impact along Carifesta Avenue in Georgetown. No injuries were reported and the CDC liaised with the City Engineer’s Department of the Mayor and City Council of Georgetown to rectify the issue.”
The CDC has urged all residents to take the necessary precautions during this time and to report all impacts to local authorities or the National Emergency Monitoring System (NEMS) on 600-7500 at any time.