Flagler County, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County (DOH-Flagler) urges residents to be aware of the health risks associated with flooding. Skin contact with flood waters does not, by itself, pose a serious health risk. However, health hazards are a concern when waters are or become contaminated with bacteria or contain dangerous debris.

DOH-Flagler recommends the following to prevent illness or injury from flood waters:

  • Basic hygiene is critical. If you are under a boil water notice, use commercially bottled water for mixing baby formula. Wash your hands with soap and either disinfected or boiled and cooled water, especially before preparing or eating food, after toilet use, after handling a soiled diaper, after participating in flood cleanup activities, and after handling objects contaminated with flood water or sewage.
  • Avoid eating for drinking anything that has been contaminated with flood waters.
  • Avoid contact with flood waters, especially if you have open cuts or sores.
  • If you have any open cuts or sores and come in contact with flood waters, wash the area well with soap to prevent infection. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.
  • Residents who sustain lacerations and/or puncture wounds are encouraged to contact their primary health care provider to make sure they are current on their tetanus vaccine and possibly get a booster.

 

Vibrio vulnificus

  • Risk Factors: Individuals who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus.
  • Symptoms: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.
  • When to Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters.

If on a septic system and your plumbing is functioning slowly:

  • Conserve water as much as possible; the less water used the less sewage the septic tank must process. Minimize use of your washing machine.
  • Do not have the septic tank pumped. Exceptionally high-water tables might crush a septic tank that was pumped dry. If the basic problem is high ground water, pumping the tank does nothing to solve that problem.

If your well is flooded:

  • Heavy rainfall may have made your well water unsafe to drink. If you are unsure about the impact of flooding on your well water, use bottled water or boil water for drinking, making ice, teeth brushing, and washing any areas of the skin that have been cut or injured.
  • If your well is affected by flood waters, there may be disease-causing organisms in your water making it unsafe to drink.
  • For additional questions regarding well water testing, contact DOH-Flagler Environmental Public Health at 386-437-7358.

FDOH Urges Floridians to Avoid Floodwaters and Prevent Exposure to Vibrio Vulnificus

Tallahassee, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health (Department) urges residents and visitors to exit disclaimer iconavoid floodwaters and prevent exposure to Vibrio in anticipation of flooding and heavy rain caused by Hurricane Milton. While floodwaters are present, there is an increased risk of Vibrio infections, such as exit disclaimer iconVibrio vulnificus, which can be life-threatening.

Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in warm coastal waters, can cause illness when ingested or when open wounds are exposed to contaminated water. After heavy rainfall and flooding, the concentration of these bacteria may rise, particularly in brackish and saltwater environments.

What You Need to Know

Risk Factors: Individuals who have compromised immune systems, liver disease, or open wounds are at higher risk for Vibrio vulnificus.
Symptoms: Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, fast or high heart rate, confusion, or disorientation.
When to Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms associated with Vibrio vulnificus, especially after exposure to floodwaters.
Safety Precautions:
Avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters, standing water, sea water, and brackish water, if possible.
Cover open cuts or wounds with waterproof bandages if they could come in contact with floodwaters, standing water, sea water, or brackish water.
Wash skin and any open cuts or wounds thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact with floodwaters.
The Department continues to monitor and respond to health risks posed by Hurricane Milton. For additional emergency information, including the exit disclaimer iconVibrio vulnificus factsheet, visit exit disclaimer iconFloridaHealth.gov/Emergency or contact your exit disclaimer iconcounty health department.