Ministry of Health Issues Health Warnings as Hurricane Beryl Approaches

The impact that Hurricane Beryl will have on Belize remains to be seen, but the Ministry of Health and Wellness is urging the public to prepare for any health issues that may arise. The Public Health Department is disseminating information on major health concerns that may occur after a natural disaster. Principal Health Inspector says the Ministry is advising that everyone be cautious of flood waters where possible, as they can contain numerous health hazards.

John Bodden, Principal, Public Health Inspector, MOHW: “One of them has to do with safety of mitigating or moving through flood waters. We also talk about water quality, drinking water that we consume all the time we need to make sure that it’s safe. We also have food safety issues that may be compromised during this time as well and so these three and then of course other infections that could happen whenever people get in contact with flood waters. So the Ministry of Health definitely is concerned about these areas and if we take the first one the food waters that can be a source for many infectious diseases. Of course there is the movement of waste from septic tanks and other systems. We have chemicals that have now contaminated the water sources and then of course we can have the potential for injuries while moving in these waters. And so it is critical for people to realize that the environment that they will be operating in in terms of preparing for the event and also for the after effects of the disaster needs to be taken into consideration.”

In a related concern, Bodden warns that people need to take care of open wounds in a post-disaster environment, due to the possibility of infection.

John Bodden, Principal, Public Health Inspector, MOHW: “During an event people normally get injuries for example they might have cuts, abrasions on their hands and their feet, they might get nail puncture and these can be a source for microbes to go into the body and cause infections. So we’re talking about issues such as typhoid in contaminated water or cholera. We have leptospirosis, we have hepatitis A and of course we do have the dermatological issue in terms of skin rashes or skin infection and so people need to ensure that they have some level of protection for these exposure risks that they have might have contact with. So in terms of that we always ask them if much as possible that you could stay out of water especially if you have an open wound. So you would want to ensure if you need to go into the water then you would use some sort of rubber boot. Essential whatever cuts or wounds you have those need to be cleaned and band with particularly important is to use a waterproof bandage when you’re doing that to reduce chance of infections. And keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing and of course with soap and clean water. And if really necessary then you need to go to a health facility to seek medical admission.”

Bodden urges anyone who has been exposed to potentially infectious situations to monitor and seek medical attention if they feel it necessary. We’ll be hearing more post-disaster tips from the Ministry in a subsequent newscast.