Warnings about dangers of flood waters
With continuing heavy rains, McHenry County Department of Health cautions residents of the dangers of floodwater contaminated with bacteria, viruses and other organisms.
Common waterborne illness symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms persist.
Parents should also restrict children from swimming or playing in flood waters.
To prevent the spread of disease, always wash your hands thoroughly with plenty of warm water and soap before handling, preparing or eating food.
If your water supply is in doubt, use bottled water for preparing food, brushing teeth or preparing baby formula.
MCDH can provide instructions on how to properly disinfect flooded private water wells, including free drinking water sampling for any wells suspected of flooding influences.
Cleaning up after a flood can be overwhelming. Be sure to disinfect any food preparation surfaces that may have been contaminated by floodwater. Any food or beverage containers should be carefully examined.
Flooded indoor areas (walls, floors, etc.) must be scrubbed with warm, soapy water. Wash all linens and clothing in hot water or dry clean.
If there is sewage backup in the basement, it can be disposed of by pumping it into the toilet or floor drains if the drains are connected to the sewer system. Do not pump sewage-contaminated water into the yard or into the street.
More details on cleanup and disinfection of buildings is available online at www.mcdh.info.
People who come in contact with floodwater should make sure their tetanus shots are up to date. If you experience a puncture wound or deep cut in floodwater clean-up, your tetanus shot should have been within the last 10 years.
Swimming advisories have been posted at all 36 licensed beaches in McHenry County following this weekend's heavy rainfall.
MCDH will have testing results for E. coli levels on Thursday.
Remember to empty outside containers of standing water to prevent Culex mosquitoes from breeding and reduce your risk of West Nile virus.
Residents with health concerns due to the recent flooding should call MCDH at (815) 334-4585.