Taiwan: Hsinchu County urges flood cleanup safety and disease prevention

Hsinchu County's Health Bureau is advising residents to prioritize disease prevention while cleaning up their homes after recent heavy rains caused flooding. With floodwaters receding and high temperatures returning, many are busy clearing debris, making it crucial to follow three key steps: "fully equipped, careful with food and drink, and eliminate breeding sources."

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After the heavy rain, Leptospira, melioidosis and other pathogens in the soil and mud are easily exposed on the ground and can be transmitted through contact or inhalation.

County Health Bureau Director Yin Dong-cheng explained that floodwaters can expose pathogens like Leptospira and Burkholderia pseudomallei in the soil and mud. To prevent infection, residents should wear waterproof gloves, long boots, and masks when cleaning to avoid inhaling contaminated dust or water droplets. He also stressed the importance of disinfecting water storage tanks if they were contaminated by sewage before storing water for consumption, and advised against eating food that has been soaked or improperly thawed.

For disinfection, household environments can be cleaned with a 100-fold dilution of commercial chlorine bleach. Kitchenware and utensils should be boiled or disinfected with a solution of 40 ml of bleach per 10 liters of water, followed by thorough rinsing. The Bureau also highlighted the ongoing concern of dengue fever, noting 80 confirmed cases nationwide this year, including 7 local transmissions. Hsinchu County has reported 30 suspected cases, with 2 confirmed imported cases from Indonesia.

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If water storage tanks in flood-affected areas are contaminated by sewage, they should be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and then refilled. Boil the water thoroughly before drinking. Do not eat food that has been soaked or thawed for too long.

Given the high temperatures and post-rain conditions that favor mosquito breeding, Director Yin urged the public to actively inspect their homes and surroundings for any standing water in containers, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Adhering to these preventive measures is essential to protect public health in the aftermath of the floods.

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Considering that high temperatures and the post-rain environment are most conducive to mosquito breeding, Director Yin asks the public to actively inspect their home environment to prevent indoor and outdoor containers from becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes.