UAE Floods: Aster Expert Explains Health Risks And How To Prevent Them

In the wake of significant flooding events in Dubai, Dr. Afshan Zulfiqar, a General Practitioner at Aster Clinic, Nuaimiah (Ajman), has provided critical insights into the dangers posed by standing water and inadequate drainage systems. These conditions not only damage infrastructure but also significantly increase the risk of waterborne diseases, which can have severe health consequences for the public.

Risks and Health Hazards

According to Dr. Zulfiqar, floods caused by heavy rainfall can lead to extensive damage across personal, governmental, and health sectors. The absence of effective warning and drainage systems allows water to stagnate around residential areas, becoming a breeding ground for pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. This situation is further exacerbated by mosquitoes and flies, which thrive in these conditions and spread diseases more efficiently.

Common Waterborne Diseases

Dr. Zulfiqar highlights several waterborne diseases that pose significant risks during flooding events. These include:

• Cholera: Caused by bacteria, leading to severe diarrhoea, vomiting, and dehydration, potentially lethal if untreated.
• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection that can result in fever, with possible kidney and liver effects.
• Typhoid Fever: Resulting from Salmonella typhi, characterized by high fever, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal issues.

Additionally, parasitic gastrointestinal diseases like Giardia and amoebiasis, helminths infestation, skin infections, and mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya are also concerns.

Prevention and Response

Dr. Zulfiqar emphasizes that the impact of stagnant and floodwater can be mitigated with adequate preparedness and response measures. Public education plays a crucial role in prevention. Key recommendations include practising hand hygiene, especially after using toilets, avoiding contact with contaminated water and utilizing protective gear when necessary.

Water storage and sanitation practices, such as using clean containers and covering them, along with water purification methods like boiling, filters, and chemical disinfectants, are vital. Moreover, proper waste disposal, preventing mosquito breeding, vaccination, and prompt medical attention for symptoms are essential steps in preventing waterborne diseases.