Dana Valencia | Tips for flooded homes against mold, the silent enemy

Another one of health spotlights are respiratory infections caused by dampness and mold V flooded house wallsby aspiration of spores. According to Salvador Peiro, a specialist in preventive medicine and public health, “There will be no problem of mass pneumonia”but they may be “more serious” for vulnerable population: Pregnant women, children or people with respiratory problems. In fact, this group of diseases is among four protocol typologies addressed the staff of several hospitals such as La Fe.

The expert recommends insisting on cleaning houses damaged by floods, in the municipalities most affected by Dana, to avoid the appearance form. “Recommended Dry the houses thoroughly and clean them with disinfectants such as bleach.both the floor and the walls,” Peyraud explains, in line with public health guidelines issued by the administration. For help dry the walls

good (logical) option: “ventilate well, open windows“

Fan and air conditioner

If you have fan and electric currentcan be used “from the inside”. Or, if you have air conditioning, as long as the unit doesn’t get wet, it “may help.” “If it’s damp, mold will spread throughout the space.“, he insists.

In case garagesmany of which are still flooded, it will take longer to drybut “these are transit zones” where “you don’t stay long”; as opposed to at home where many more hours are spent.

Using a mask

When it comes to outdoor spaces, Peiraud recommends using a mask For Avoid vacuuming accumulated dust in dry mud or mud carried over as a result of cleaning work. “Eventually, just because of the strong smell, the mask will seal itself,” he admits.

In fact, within the framework of public health recommendations, includes the use of a mask for cleaning

and wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves on both extremities. The main task is to avoid wounds that may become infected due to unsanitary conditions. As explained by the Minister of Health Marciano Gomez, it is necessary to receive medical care in case of cuts from sharp objects or abrasive wounds.

They can cause tetanus infection, although not as worrisome because most of the population is vaccinated against this disease, although medical professionals may deem it necessary strengthen immunization in worst cases. In fact, professor of parasitology at the University of Valencia (UV) Dolores Bargues reports that she received call from an American expert in the health crisis on Wednesday, just a day after the disaster, to warn the population of Valencia about tetanus. “I am calm because the authorities have already shown that they are aware of this problem and have a dose vaccine enough“he commented yesterday Elevator -EMV.

First cases of gastroenteritis

In Payport and Benetusser register several cases of neighbors with intestinal problems

; This is not yet on the scale that can be classified as an outbreak, but concern is beginning to emerge among citizens. The cases are specific for now. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an outbreak requires the occurrence of multiple cases within two or three days in a certain place. Health knows nothing at the moment; but he acknowledges attention to individual cases.