A week after the biggest flood in Spain’s recent history, those affected are facing a new risk: hygienic conditions
Torrential rains caused by Dana in the Valencia region triggered the apocalypse last Tuesday. Catastrophic floods have swept away everything in their path, from vehicles to street furniture to flooded buildings and left (for the time being) more than 200 deaths and hundreds of missing.
It will take time for the inhabitants of cities such as Paiporta, the most affected, Picanya, Sedaví, Alfafar, Massanassa or Catarroja to resume their normal lives. There are several areas still without electricity or running water and in the meantime the roads they accumulate mud, rubbish and vehicles on top of each other.
A situation that is becoming less and less hygienic day by day and in various places could favor the spread of viruses and bacteria among residents, emergency personnel and volunteers.
The most dangerous bacteria
Sanitary water networks have been destroyed and there is contamination throughout the area. The wastewater mixed and spread where the water passed, which includes pathogenic or potentially pathogenic bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonellaintestinal viruses and some types of parasites such as Cryptosporidiumexplains José Manuel Bautista, professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of the Complutense University of Madrid.
This can generate outbreaks of diarrhea, gastroenteritis and diseases of this type and in addition stagnant water could favor it the proliferation of mosquitoescausing an additional risk (such as Nile fever).
Tetanus
It is currently considered the highest risk disease in the affected areas, so much so that one began on Monday tetanus vaccination campaign.
Clostridium tetani it is a bacterium found in soil and places related to iron and mud. When there are cuts or wounds in low-oxygen conditions, these bacteria can grow and contaminate the wounds, increasing the risk of tetanus, explains epidemiologist Bautista.
Militares del Army de Tierra quitan barro de la calle en #Masanassa #Valencia #DANA pic.twitter.com/EYxs4BN9mn
— Alerta Zeta | Sucesos 🇪🇸 (@AlertaZeta) November 3, 2024
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted by animals and especially in humid environments, is due to a bacterium found especially in waste water. It can enter the body through small wounds, usually taking a week to 15 days to appear.
The dangers of mud
It is the most recurring element in those arriving from Spain these days. But mud could also contain pathogenic bacteria that contaminate hands and food.
And, Bautista warns, there could be too chemical residues “since, if there is industry in the area, the water may have carried chemicals, which can cause skin infections”.
Furthermore, in very humid environments during cleaning there may also be a risk of respiratory diseases.
Organic matter
Organic matter in decomposition it is known that it facilitates the growth of bacteria and fungi, as they find the nutrients to grow. Furthermore, if the water is stagnant, this contamination spreads.
The decomposition of organic matter produces bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococciamong others, which can cause infections related to Salmonellaskin and respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal toxins produced by some of these bacteria, such as gastroenteritis.
This is why experts consider it a priority to remove rubbish and animal carcasses from the streets as soon as possible and the Spanish Ministry of Health has published a list of recommendations and measures for those who remove mud and waste from the streets these days.
Among other things, he recommends that they wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, as well as mask, gloves and other elements to protect the nose, mouth, eyes and hands. The population is also asked to avoid consuming potentially dangerous food, to drink only bottled water and to disinfect their homes as much as possible. Or what’s left.