Health chiefs issue alert over disease threat in flood water

Published on Friday 15 August 2008 10:32

PARENTS and GPs have been put on alert for Weil's disease and other infections following flooding in the Capital. Urgent advice has been issued to family doctors to be aware of the increased risks faced by those who have been in contact with flood water.

Health chiefs have stressed that the risks are minimal but urged parents to take sensible steps to protect their children.

The move follows the death of 50-year-old Deane Owen, from Cumbria, who was found dead at Inch Park on Tuesday where he had been helping to build flood defences for the Braid Burn. There were initial fears that he may have contracted Weil's disease, which is spread by rats, although subsequent tests turned out to be negative.

Concerns about Weil's led to some of his co-workers reporting to hospital complaining of flu-like symptoms.

The advice issued by NHS Lothian tells parents to wash garden toys which have come into contact with flood water and discourage children from playing in puddles.

NHS Lothian's public health consultant, Dr Richard Othieno, said anyone with concerns about water borne diseases should contact their GP or NHS 24. "We have sent out a note to all GPs with advice on the health risks associated with flooding," he said.

"Risks to the public are very low. Although flood waters may be contaminated with sewage or other waste, any harmful bugs in the water are usually only present in small quantities.

"If you have to be in contact with flood water, for instance when clearing up, please ensure you protect any open cuts or wounds and wear protective clothing (waterproof boots and gloves). After cleaning up, please make sure you wash your hands rigorously."

He pointed out children are more at risk from disease than adults. "

Floodwater-contaminated toys should be washed with hot water and detergent or disinfected before being given back to children for use."

Last week's floods in the Lothians saw a number of homes and gardens deluged with water when the Braid Burn and other waterways burst their banks.

The MET office has issued warnings of heavy rain across the Lothians on Saturday. A flood watch is also in force from Sepa, although this is the second lowest level of warning.

WEIL'S, A DEADLY INFECTION . .

WATER borne diseases can take many forms, although GPs in the Lothians are likely to be preparing for more mild cases.

The rat-spread Weil's disease, which was rumoured to have broken out among workers on a construction site in the Inch, is one of the more severe examples.

The NHS were quick to quash suggestions of an outbreak.

Weil's – or Leptospirosis – is rare and hard to contract, but can be deadly once it sets in.