Post-disaster health risks gradually emerge, doctors urge to seize the golden cleanup period for prevention

2026/06/27 10:41

On the 25th, local and temporary water accumulation occurred in some areas of the lake. (File photo, taken by reporter Cai Kaiheng)

[Health Channel/Comprehensive Report] Affected by the outer circulation and southwesterly flow of Typhoon Mikra, heavy rains have caused disasters in the south for days, and water accumulation has occurred in many places; at the same time, water accumulation has also occurred in Taipei's inner lake. The Taipei City Association of Public Health Practitioners reminds that real health risks will gradually emerge "one to four weeks after the stagnant water recedes". At that time, residual environmental sludge, unresolved stagnant water, and deteriorating sanitary conditions after power outages will increase the risk of dengue fever, soil and water-borne infectious diseases, and gastrointestinal infections. It calls on the public to seize the golden clean-up period after the disaster and take early precautions.

Environmental and vector-borne mosquito control: avoid insect-borne and contact-borne infectious diseases

After heavy rains, newly added water containers in the environment (such as waste tires, potted plant chassis, gutters, etc.) can easily become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes. High temperatures in summer will also accelerate the breeding of vector mosquitoes, further increasing the risk of dengue fever transmission. A trace of stagnant water can provide mosquito breeding conditions. If there are vector mosquitoes carrying the virus in the community, the risk of epidemic spread will increase.

In addition, Bacillus pseudomallei and Leptospira usually exist in soil and stagnant water. Heavy rains and strong winds may cause the pathogens to spread with muddy water or contaminate the environment, increasing the risk of infection. Initial symptoms, such as fever, headache, muscle aches, etc., are often similar to those of a common cold, and it is easy to delay medical treatment.

When cleaning flooded areas, personal protection should be strengthened. Be sure to wear waterproof boots and waterproof gloves, and keep existing wounds properly bandaged and waterproof to reduce the risk of pathogens entering the body through the skin or wounds. At the same time, do not touch sewage and sludge directly with bare feet or unprotected limbs. After completing basic cleaning, "patrol, empty, clean and brush" should be implemented to thoroughly remove water stagnant containers and breeding sources to reduce the risk of vector mosquitoes breeding. After the environment is cleaned, you can also disinfect the environment according to the guidelines of the health unit. For example, mix about 10 liters of clean water with 40 ml of bleach to prepare a diluent for floor and environmental cleaning to reduce the risk of pathogenic residues. During cleaning or outdoor activities, it is also recommended to wear light-colored long-sleeved clothes and use mosquito repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or IR-3535 approved by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Food and Drinking Safety: Preventing Gastrointestinal Infections

Flooding and power outages often cause refrigeration equipment to fail and cold chain interruptions, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal infectious diseases (such as norovirus, salmonella, etc.). All fresh meat, seafood and dairy products that have been in contact with sewage or have de-frozen or deteriorated due to power outages should be discarded.

The water supply system may be damaged after the disaster. Drinking water must be boiled or the source must be confirmed to be safe. Avoid drinking raw water or water from unknown sources. Food handling should strictly adhere to the principle of separating raw and cooked food. It is not recommended to eat cooked food if it is left at room temperature for more than 2 hours (more than 1 hour in high temperature environment).

Trauma protection and care for high-risk groups: prevention of tetanus and psychological stress

During the process of cleaning your home, you are vulnerable to cuts and stab wounds from sharp objects, glass fragments or rusty iron tools. After an injury, the wound should be cleaned and disinfected immediately with water and soap, and a waterproof bandage should be applied. If the wound is deep, heavily contaminated, or caused by rusty iron, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible to assess the need for tetanus vaccination.

The elderly, pregnant women, infants, and those with chronic diseases or low immunity are at high risk of post-disaster infection and severe illness. They should avoid contact with contaminated environments and reduce the burden of cleanup.

In addition, stress, anxiety or sleep disorders are common psychological reactions after a disaster. If symptoms persist or affect daily life, professional help should be sought.

Three key points of post-disaster protection can be mastered at once

Environmental cleanup and vector prevention: Implement "patrol, pour, clean, and brush" to remove the source of stagnant water, and cooperate with environmental cleanup and disinfection measures to reduce the risk of dengue fever and soil and water-borne infections.

Food and drinking water safety: Avoid eating contaminated or spoiled food, and drinking water must be boiled or the source must be confirmed to be safe.

Wound protection and protection of high-risk groups: Strengthen wound protection and tetanus prevention, and prioritize the protection of the elderly, chronically ill and immunocompromised groups.