Preventing water-borne diseases

Flood waters may contain silt, raw sewage, oil or chemical wastes and may spread intestinal disease caused by diarrhea and dysentery. The parasite giardia and intestinal viruses are most likely to blame, but E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella also may be transmitted by flood waters.

Play it safe

Don't drink flood waters, or swim, bathe or play in it.

Wash hands thoroughly with soap after exposure.

Keep children away from flood water.

Protect against cutting yourself and exposing cuts to the contaminated water.

Center for Disease Control Web site:
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/sanitation.asp

For more information, contact the University of Missouri Extension center in your county, or call 573-882-7477.

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Reviewed 12/12/07