Just when you thought it was safe to go in the floodwaters: gastro

Floodwaters hold many dangers, and among the worst are the ones you can’t see.

Dangerous debris under the murk could be waiting to inflict wounds on the unwary. And then, even if wounds are mild, there is the risk of flood-borne infection.

“It’s really important that people look after any injuries that they sustain when contacting any sort of environmental surface water,” said Professor Simon Reid from School of Public Health at the University of Queensland.

A resident walks through floodwaters on a street in Newmarket. Credit: Getty Images

“Generally, the advice is that if anyone has a fever after contact with floodwaters, is to see a doctor immediately, don’t wait and see.”

After major floods in north Queensland at the start of this year, 16 people died from the bacterial disease melioidosis, and 119 cases were reported.

While cases in southern Queensland are extremely rare, south-east Queenslanders are more at risk from gastroenteritis and cellulitis (skin infections).

“One particular bacterium that’s very good at surviving in water is called cryptosporidium, which causes quite a severe gastro,” Reid said.

“That’s an issue really associated with sewage leakage.”

Meanwhile, a University of the Sunshine Coast professor has warned coastal residents to avoid the sea foam appearing on beaches in ex-tropical Alfred’s wake.

“This foam contains lots of different microorganisms including pathogenic organisms, including antibiotic resistant bacteria,” Associate Professor Ipek Kurtboke told 4BC.

“They can cause brain abscesses, liver abscesses, lung infections.”

The flying sea foam, generated by strong winds from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, at Main Beach on the Gold Coast.Credit: Dan Peled

Urban Utilities has released untreated wastewater into the Brisbane River at Morningside due to ongoing works to replace major pipes inside the Bulimba-Hamilton Siphon.

Residents have been advised to temporarily avoid contact with the Brisbane River between Vic Lucas Park at Bulimba and Colmslie Beach Reserve at Murarrie.

Queensland Health recommends avoiding wading through floodwaters, even shallow water, or wearing solid boots to do so.

It advises wearing gloves when handling items contaminated with floodwater, washing your hands with soap and running water before handling or eating food, and always washing your hands thoroughly after participating in clean-up activities.

“If people get gastro, maintain hydration, and if it’s getting worse or really disrupting their lives, then they should seek medical care,” Reid said.

Penny Cornah, chief executive of Master Plumbers Association Queensland (MPAQ), said that in addition to pathogens from overflowing drains and sewer systems, floodwaters can mix with industrial waste such as fuels, pesticides, and chemicals, making them hazardous.

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