Health Officials Warn of Hazards When Working in Flood Area - Northern Arizona Today

Flagstaff (Coconino County Media Release) – Coconino County Health Department (CCHD) officials received test results on flood water samples taken from various points in the Schultz Fire flood areas.The pH levels of the sample water were within the normal range, however, the coliform bacteria and E. coli levels substantially exceeded the normal ranges. It is reasonable to conclude that the mud and silt left behind by the flood waters throughout the impacted area have bacteria levels in the same upper ranges

eoeThe contamination levels are cause for concern and proper precautions should be taken by anyone in contact with the flood water and mud or silt,e said Barbara Worgess, Coconino County Health Department Chief Health Officer

Worgess added that the Doney Park Water system has not suffered any damage and the water from Doney Park Water is safe to drink

The presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli in the floodwaters indicate a potential risk for a diarrheal diseases and hepatitis A. Protective clothing, rubber boots and rubber gloves, can help to reduce the risk of illness. Symptoms of diarrheal diseases include cramps, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of hepatitis include fever, malaise, nausea, abdominal pain and jaundice. Infants, older adults and individuals with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk for complications from illness

Because of the possible risk for hepatitis A and tetanus, vaccination against these diseases is recommended for individuals that may come into contact with potentially contaminated flood waters, mud or silt. Individuals involved in cleanup may need hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations, ideally before starting cleanup activities. Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. Being up-to-date for tetanus vaccine can greatly simplify the treatment for any wound that might occur

To help citizens obtain needed vaccinations, the Coconino County Health Department has scheduled tetanus and hepatitis A immunization clinics as follows

Monday, Wednesday, Friday (Beginning Monday, July 26, 2010)

8:00 am to 11:00 am and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Coconino County Health Department, 2625 N. King Street

Appointments are recommended. Call 928-679-7222

Tuesday, July 27 and Thursday, July 29, 2010

4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Cromer School, 7150 Silver Saddle Road

No appointment is needed

Immunizations will be free of charge to residents of the flood area and volunteers

Health officials recommend the follow precautions when working in the flood area:

Do not allow children and pets to play in yards that have been flooded or in any standing water. Everyone should avoid contact with flood waters, if at all possible

Wash your hands and face as often as possible with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds. Shower at least one time per day, especially after coming into contact with flood waters or mud. Due to the likelihood of dust, rinse out your mouth frequently throughout the time spent cleaning. Wear a mask to prevent dust from being inadvertently ingested

Wear protective gear: rubber boots and rubber gloves, while cleaning in flooded areas. Remove and clean boots and gloves before you enter a structure that has not been flooded to avoid contamination

If possible, do not enter contaminated water. Wading in contaminated flood waters with open wounds, or sustaining a wound while in contact with flood waters or mud, can result in serious wound infections or tetanus. Avoid wading in standing water, which may contain sharp objects such as glass or metal fragments that can cause injury and possibly lead to infection. If possible, do not wade in flood waters if you have an open wound. If you have any open wounds keep them as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water to control infection. If you cannot avoid exposing open wounds to flood water, try and cover with a waterproof bandage before entering the water. Seek immediate medical attention: if a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage; if a foreign object is embedded in the wound; or if a puncture from a dirty object caused the wound

Wash all clothing frequently. Brush off loose dirt, outside before entering the house. Rinse several times in cool water to remove as much mud as possible. Work heavy duty liquid detergent or heavy concentration of detergent into any stains. Let stand 15 e" 30 minutes.When no more dirt can be rinsed out, machine wash using warm water and detergent. Bacteria from flood waters can remain alive on fabrics for a long time.Use a disinfectant such as the following types:

- Liquid chlorine bleaches (Clorox, Purex) are safe for all fabrics except wool, silk or resin coated (waterproof or water repellant) fabrics. Add bleach to water before puttingthe clothes into the machine or dilute bleach in one quart water before adding to the wash cycle. Do not use bleach in the rinse cycle. Follow package directions

-Pine oil disinfectants (Fyne Pine, King Pine, Pine-o-Pine, Texize-o-Pine) are safe for washable fabrics, but do not use them on wool or silk. The product should include at least 80% pine oil. Add pine oil at the beginning of the wash cycle, preferably before putting the clothes in the machine. Available in grocery and drugstores

- Quarternary compounds (Roccal, Zephrin) are safe for all fibers but may result in some discoloration. Follow package directions. Can be found in drugstores or janitorial supply stores

-Phenolic disinfectant (Pine-Sol, Al Pine, Sea-Air) are safe for washables. Avoid using them on wool and silk. Add in either the wash or rinse cycle. Available in grocery stores. Need more information regarding knitwear?

Visit www.coconino.az.gov/health or call the CoconinoCountyFlood Information & AssistanceCallCenter at 877-679-8390 for additional information