Health Concerns Remain as Floodwaters Recede

Westport Urgent Care, the premier provider of urgent care medicine for the Westport region, is urging area residents to avoid potential serious health problems associated with bacteria and other hazards in the wake of this week’s torrential rains and flashflood waters.

    "With so much local flooding, there are now serious health concerns for our residents,” said Deborah A. Mogelof, MD, of Westport Urgent Care.  “While some residents have been forced to wade in the floodwaters to get in and out of their homes and cars, they are running the risk of a variety of infections and health issues caused by bacteria in the water,” added Dr. Mogelof.

    E. coli is one of many bacteria that may be present in the floodwaters left over from the region’s drenching. “There also are parasites that could be in the water, such as giardia or cryptosporidosis,” said Dr. Mogelof. Both may pose very serious health hazards.

    Residents, especially children, face a health threat when the floodwater splashes in their eyes and mouth. Dr. Mogelof urged parents to keep their children out of the floodwaters no matter how much they would like to play in the water.  “It would take only a small cut or scratch to expose someone to tetanus, an acute, often fatal, disease.” Floodwater also may carry a number of contaminants including sewage and chemicals.

    Westport Urgent Care offers the following additional tips about Fay’s floodwaters:
    Sharp debris could be hidden in the water causing injury.

    Downed power lines hidden under standing water pose the risk of electrocution.

    Watch for snakes! Most of Connecticut’s 14 species of snakes are not poisonous but may still react if approached while they have been displaced by floodwaters.

    Insects, such as spiders, may also seek protection from the floodwaters which could force them into your home.

    “We urge everyone to use caution during the flooding and as the water recedes. Should anyone experience skin that is reddish and swollen, have an unexplained stomach ache, or generally feel under the weather, they should seek medical assistance,” concluded Dr. Mogelof.  In the event of a life-threatening medical emergency, call medical emergency services at 911 immediately. DO NOT WAIT! The emergency department of a hospital is fully staffed and equipped to handle life-threatening emergencies. Westport Urgent Care does not treat life-threatening emergencies.

    Westport Urgent Care measures its success through patient satisfaction and extraordinary care.   Westport Urgent Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug testing.  Westport Urgent Care provides a convenient, cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor’s offices from their office at 1045 Post Road East.  For additional information call (203) 557-8200 or visit their website at www.westporturgentcare.com.