The Ministry of Health denied on Monday that there is a danger that the fatalities of the DANA could lead to an epidemic. In a communiqué, the department headed by Monica Garcia responds to the doubts that have arisen among the population about possible risks that could be posed by the contamination of water by human or animal corpses in the area affected by the catastrophe, which has already claimed the lives of more than 200 people. According to the letter, “there is no scientific evidence that they are a significant risk of epidemic diseases”, such as cholera or typhoid, following a natural disaster.
“Most microorganisms do not survive for long in the human body after death,” explains Sanidad, which assures that the infections that could cause this type of problem in Spain “are not epidemic,” and that, in the event of infections arising “it is more likely that their origin comes from the survivors themselves”.. The Government warns, however, of the possibility that there may indeed be some water or sludge that is contaminated and transmitting digestive infections, causing diarrhea or vomiting, and asks anyone affected to contact the authorities and professionals “with specific training” on the matter in case of any finding.
Also the president of the Valencian Community, Carlos Mazónhas warned of a “possible epidemic” due to stagnant and polluted water, and has affirmed that the following are already being implemented “the first vaccines against tetanus”. to volunteers and neighbors. In an interview in the COPE radio station, Mazón also announced the displacement of EPI material to all the people who are in the points most affected by the storm.
The leader of the Valencian PP has also said that 48 hours ago he asked the Ministry of Health to send an “express committee of the best epidemiologists” to assess the situation in the area affected by the DANA. Sources from the Ministry of Health confirm to 20minutos that there are already two people from the Center for Coordination of Alerts and Health Emergencies (CCAES) in Valencia..
Follow the recommendations
The authorities are carrying out a water analysis to detect diseases early, but the general director of Public Health, Pedro Gullón, has asked in a video sent to the media that, in case of any symptom, to go to a health center “in order to stop the chain of transmission”. Regarding the corpses that are not yet being removed, Gullón insists that, “right now” and according to the history of similar floods in other countries, they do not pose a greater risk, although it is important that the “removal” of the bodies occurs as soon as possible so that the cleaning of the streets can continue.
As explained by the ministry, stagnant water does represent a “significant risk” because it can harbor pathogens. and “attract disease vectors”, such as mosquitoes, thus increasing the risk of infections once this first phase has passed. Therefore, Health recommends avoiding contact and following the recommendations for cleanliness, food and safety issued by both the Generalitat Valenciana and the Ministry of Health itself. These recommendations include trying to find out which municipalities have drinking water and which are the areas where it is more difficult for the water to be drunk; or avoid all foods that have been in contact with mud or water.and eat only those with a seal, such as canned food, after cleaning the product.
For those citizens who have to clean the inside and outside of their homes, Gullón insists on using all personal protection measures: an eye barrier, mask, long sleeves, gloves, long pants and boots that cover well. And, in the event that it is necessary to go inside the house, try to ensure ventilation at all times and prevent the most vulnerable people from cleaning.