Flooding causes more than structural damages to your home. There are dangers that cannot be seen but lurk in the floodwaters that enter and surround your property. Learn about the different types of deadly viral and bacterial organisms that are found in floodwaters.
1. Salmonella
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is found in the bodies of animals and the environment. When most people think of Salmonella poisoning, they think of people eating tainted meat. But there is another risk of getting infected through floodwaters. An infection can cause salmonellosis, paratyphoid fever or typhoid fever. Not treating the infection could be deadly in people with immunocompromised systems.
2. E. Coli
E. Coli, short for Escherichia coli, is a bacteria that is present in the intestines of mammals. The most common results are food contaminated and poisoning. Animal feces contain this bacteria and can mix with floodwater. People who are infected may develop traveler’s diarrhea, gastroenteritis, Crohn’s disease or urinary tract infections. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
3. Tetanus
Tetanus is an illness that causes a variety of uncomfortable symptoms affecting the muscles. It is caused by an infection of the Clostridium tetani bacteria. Muscle spasms typically affect the jaw, face, stomach, back and neck. Mortality occurs, even in people with healthy bodies who receive adequate treatment. People with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at higher risk of death.
4. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that causes severe infectious diseases which are difficult to treat and become resistant to certain medications. Necrotizing fasciitis occurs when bacteria enters an open cut or wound and causes widespread necrosis. Other diseases are sepsis, staph infections and Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome.
5. Legionella
Legionella is a bacteria that causes legionellosis, Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Symptoms resemble the flu and pneumonia. An infection occurs by consuming the contaminated water or breathing in droplets through the mouth or nose. People with this disease are treated with antibiotics, but many are hospitalized and mortality rates increase in those who wait for treatment.
E. coli, salmonella and MRSA are only a handful of potentially deadly organisms that can be transmitted in water. The risks of viral and bacterial infections increase after it floods and large pools of water become breeding grounds. There are ways to reduce the risks for you and your family. Hire our water damage company in AZ and surrounding areas to remove the hazardous standing water in and around your property.
