Cholera and other disease outbreak in the aftermath of flood or other natural disaster is commonplace. Reason for these outbreaks is lack of clean and safe drinking water, inadequate sanitation system at camps and lack of resources. If you are living in an area which is affected by flood, you can take following measures to avoid cholera and other water borne diseases.
Water Safety
Make sure to consume water only after boiling it properly or filtering it. If you do not have resources to boil or filter water, request water purification tablets from the relief organizations working in your area.
Hand and Personal Hygiene
Wash your hands properly and regularly with soap and water especially after using toilet and before having any meal.
Use Toilets and Washrooms
- If you have toilets available at your camp, keep them clean for your use and other people’s use.
- Make sure that your toilets are set up away from freshwater resources and human waste does not mix with fresh or drinking water.
- Do not defecate in open or near freshwater reservoirs, only use toilets if they are available.
- If you are in a camp, bathe and wash clothes or diapers at least 100 feet away from drinking water sources to avoid contamination.
Food Safety
- Do not eat food that has come in contact with flood water.
- Do not consume food that is not fresh or has any kind of smell that indicates that it might be rotten.
- Avoid food that is raw or undercooked especially meat, chicken, or fish.
- Wash fruits and vegetables with clean water and peel their skins before consumption,
- Cover your food properly so flies cannot sit over it.
Get Vaccinated
If your camp administrator or local authorities are offering cholera vaccine, do not hesitate and get vaccinated immediately.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have diarrhea or loose motions, start taking ORS immediately. If your diarrhea persists and you feel weaker, seek medical attention immediately. If medical staff is not available, keep taking ORS till you get the necessary help.
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