Hidden dangers underneath the floodwater’s surface

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – This week, we have seen people take their jet skis and kayaks to the floodwaters, almost enjoying the over flowing flood plains. However, there are dangers that lurk underneath the surface.

While debris from homes, businesses and foliage lie in the water, a more invisible danger is also present. Severe diseases can be carried in the waters, which could contain chemicals, dead wildlife and, in some cases, raw sewage that has overflowed from drains and manhole covers. The waters could be hiding diseases like E. coli, giardia and even salmonella. These diseases could cause severe gastrointestinal infections.

Homes all across south-central Kentucky have been hit hard as well, and building materials, such as dry wall or insulation, may have soaked up water and have become moldy. The mold and other fungal infections that come with floods could be dangerous to those who live with respiratory issues, such as asthma or COPD. As the flood waters recede though, a different kind of danger will emerge as pools of water stick around.

“We’re going to be probably inundated with mosquitoes and insects because of the standing water we have. And there are also some diseases lead, you know, like some type of respiratory illnesses that can be bred in standing water. So even when the water or flood waters go down, we’re still going to have problems and some issues with that as we go on the next couple three weeks,” said Med Center Health’s chief medical officer Dr. William Moss.

Diseases like West Nile Virus, while uncommon, are carried by some mosquitoes and can cause severe illness. Moss recommends that if you do enter the water for whatever reason, you should immediately clean yourself thoroughly with soap and water and wash the clothes that have gotten wet. City officials are still telling residents to stay out of the water and are even issuing citations to drivers who get stuck in floodwaters.