In the wake of the heaviest rainfall on record in the UAE, doctors and hospitals are gearing up to manage an expected influx of patients seeking treatment for diseases and infections associated with stagnant water and flooding. As communities grapple with waist-deep and knee-deep water levels, healthcare professionals anticipate a rise in illnesses such as typhoid, bacterial infections, and mosquito- and fly-borne diseases like dengue.
Dr. Amal Abdulkader, a general practitioner of Emergency Medicine at Aster Cedars Hospital, Jebel Ali, highlighted the growing number of patients presenting with fever, diarrhea, dysentery, pneumonia, and viral bronchitis. Factors contributing to the surge in cases include overcrowding during flooding, poor ventilation in dampened closed spaces, and challenges in maintaining social distancing amidst exceptional circumstances.
Dr. Fiaz Ahamed from Thumbay University Hospital emphasized the risk of water contamination during floods, leading to diseases such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, and typhoid. The incubation period for these illnesses occurs shortly after consuming contaminated water, manifesting symptoms like nausea, dehydration, and fever.
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Stagnant water poses long-term risks, serving as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other insects that transmit diseases like dengue, malaria, and yellow fever. Dr. Fiaz underscored the importance of remaining vigilant against these vectors and adopting precautionary measures to prevent mosquito breeding in stagnant pools.
To mitigate health risks, residents are advised to boil and cool drinking water before use, avoid barefoot contact with stagnant water, and ensure proper ventilation in flooded areas. Additionally, thorough washing of vegetables and fruits before consumption is recommended to maintain food safety.
The healthcare community urges residents to seek emergency medical attention if they experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, or dysentery. By remaining vigilant and adhering to preventive measures, individuals can safeguard their health and well-being amidst the challenges posed by heavy rains and flooding in the UAE.
