In the context of the flooding of hundreds of homes in the O’Higgins area, Seremi de Salud has some recommendations for debris removal and cleaning to avoid different types of diseases that can affect the community.
Dr. Carolina Torres of the District Sanitation Board commented, “With regard to the sanitation concerns of potentially contaminated water in affected households, we recommend that people use traditional chlorine disinfection, which is a ten-fold dilution of a cup of chlorine liters of water, used to lubricate mops and to sanitize utensils, the same water should be used to clean footwear, surfaces, walls, floors, furniture, etc. This way we avoid the contagion of some microbes that may infect surfaces”.
“A lot of people are also having trouble with water supply, they get it from tanker trucks, and there are people who get it from other sources like wells, so it’s important to make that water drinkable because if it’s a bit cloudy, we have to let them pour it. Take the water out and boil it for a minute or use a teaspoon of chlorine per liter of water so we can keep the water safe and then it can be used for cooking or eaten as a drink,” Dr Torres noted.
Regarding hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations, the district health chief commented: “We are working in the affected areas and there is coordination between the care network and Seremi de Salud, as the hepatitis vaccine has been indicated for those exposed to sewage. And people who may be at risk. This vaccine is given once in life, and the tetanus vaccine is valid for 10 years, and it is for people who are at risk of some trauma and thus developing this disease.”
Finally, says Seremi de Salud O’Higgins, “We must also take care of our own respiratory diseases, especially the most sensitive groups such as minors and the elderly. On the other hand, it is also important to properly dispose of food and other waste, So as not to be a source of vectors for rats, flies, etc. We are working with epidemiological networks in all districts and in constant contact with municipalities and health teams, and I take this opportunity to extend my infinite gratitude to them for their readiness to take care Their communities, we will continue to work under the mandate of President Gabriel Boric, which is based on the proximity of the territory.”
