What disease-causing agents may be present in floodwaters?
Since county and city water systems may become contaminated and power outages are widespread following severe flooding, increased foodborne and waterborne diarrheal illnesses may occur among the population. A variety of sources, including animal and human waste, can contribute to water pollution. It is important for physicians to test for and identify agents of illnesses so that outbreaks may be prevented and controlled in a timely and effective manner. Reporting of these diseases by physicians and laboratories to local health departments is necessary so cases can be investigated to determine if there is a common source. • Diarrheal Illness – Most diarrheal illnesses have incubation periods between one and seven days. Bloody diarrhea may occur with certain infections. Testing for illness should be performed prior to treatment with medication because of the large number of causative agents that may require different antibiotics. Stool cultures submitted by your physician can be tested a
