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After major flooding events, such as Hurricane Helene, the risk of gastroenteritis—a stomach and intestinal illness—increases due to contaminated water, limited hygiene, and food safety challenges.
Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, medical director with Buncombe County, recommends washing hands with soap or using hand sanitizer and consuming safe drinking water including bottled water or water that has been boiled.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache, muscle aches.
General Causes:
- Contact with sewage or contaminated water.
- Improper hand hygiene and food handling.
- Food spoilage due to power loss.
- Contaminated produce from floodwater exposure.
Current Situation:
- In Buncombe County, Campylobacter cases are above normal, likely storm-related, with potential sources including hand hygiene and food handling issues.
- Slight increase in general gastrointestinal illnesses, being monitored by health officials.
Prevention Tips:
1. Use Safe Water:
- Use bottled or disinfected water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth.
- If boiling: bring clear water to a rolling boil for 1 minute.
- If using bleach: add 8 drops of bleach per gallon, wait 30 mins.
- Avoid well water until disinfected and tested.
2. Practice Hand Hygiene:
- Wash hands with soap and clean water, or use sanitizer (60% alcohol).
- Key times: before eating or preparing food, after bathroom use, after animal contact.
3. Sanitize Food Prep Areas:
- Clean surfaces with soap and safe water.
- Use bleach solution (1 tbsp bleach per gallon of water) for sanitizing.
4. Follow Food Safety:
- Discard unrefrigerated meat/dairy.
- Cook food thoroughly and consume it hot.
- Avoid raw foods unless you’ve peeled them yourself.
If Sick with Diarrhea:
- Stay hydrated with safe water.
- See a doctor if you experience severe symptoms (e.g., high fever, dehydration).
These steps can help reduce illness risk and protect health following Hurricane Helene.