Introduction

Flood in Pakistan has once again brought with it a wave of destruction—not just in infrastructure but also in public health. As floodwaters inundate cities and rural communities, they leave behind stagnant water, contaminated supplies, and a breeding ground for a multitude of diseases. The health risks are not only immediate but can persist for weeks and months. In this blog, we will cover the top 10 diseases that spread after floods and practical preventive measures to safeguard yourself and your family.

1. Cholera

Cholera is a life-threatening diarrheal illness caused by ingesting contaminated water or food. The bacteria Vibrio cholera multiply rapidly in stagnant floodwaters.

Symptoms:

• Severe watery diarrhea

• Dehydration

• Muscle cramps

• Rapid heart rate

Prevention:

• Drink only boiled or bottled water

• Use ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) at the first sign of diarrhea

• Ensure proper sanitation and hygiene when handling food

2. Hepatitis A and E

Outbreaks of Hepatitis A and E are common after floods due to contamination of water sources with fecal matter. Both viruses cause inflammation of the liver.

Symptoms:

• Jaundice

• Fatigue

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dark urine

Prevention:

• Avoid drinking untreated water

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap after using the toilet

• Avoid raw or undercooked foods during flood periods

3. Typhoid Fever

Typhoid, caused by Salmonella typhi, spreads through ingestion of food and water contaminated by human waste. The risk significantly rises after the flood in Pakistan due to poor waste disposal.

Symptoms:

• High fever

• Abdominal pain

• Constipation or diarrhea

• Rash (rose spots)

Prevention:

• Drink chlorinated or boiled water

• Get vaccinated if living in flood-prone regions

• Practice strict hand hygiene

4. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads through contact with floodwater contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Walking barefoot or wading through water increases risk.

Symptoms:

• Fever and chills

• Muscle aches, especially in calves

• Red eyes

• Vomiting

Prevention:

• Wear protective boots and gloves when exposed to floodwater

• Avoid swimming or bathing in flood-affected areas

• Disinfect wounds immediately

5. Diarrheal Diseases

Diarrhea is one of the most widespread illnesses after floods, particularly among children. It can result from drinking dirty water or consuming unhygienic food.

Symptoms:

• Frequent loose stools

• Abdominal cramping

• Dehydration

• Weakness

Prevention:

• Use ORS and zinc supplements

• Maintain food hygiene

• Boil water before consumption.

6. Malaria

Stacked water due to flooding acts as an excellent breeding ground for Anopheles mosquitoes, the vector of malaria.

Symptoms:

• Cyclic high fever
• Feeling chills and sweating.
• Headache
• Vomiting

Prevention:

• Use mosquito nets and repellents.
• Eliminate standing water around your home.
• Spray insecticides in residential areas.

7. Dengue fever

Dengue, spread by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, thrives in stagnant, clean water after flooding in containers, tires and open tanks.

Symptoms:

• High fever
• Severe body aches (fever bone)
• Skin rash
• Bleeding from the nose or gums.

Prevention:

• Empty all containers with standing water.
• Wear long sleeves and pants.
• Use mosquito repellent daily.

8. Skin infections and fungal diseases

Continuous exposure to dirty and contaminated water can lead to skin problems such as dermatitis, cellulitis and fungal infections.

Symptoms:

• Itchy or scaly skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Pus-filled blisters.
• Foul odor

Prevention:

• Keep skin dry and clean
• Avoid wearing wet clothes for long periods of time.
• Apply antifungal powder or cream as needed.

9. Respiratory tract infections

Floods often lead to overcrowding in relief camps, which makes respiratory infections such as pneumonia, bronchitis and influenza spread rapidly.

Symptoms:

• Cough and congestion
• Difficulty breathing
• Fever
• Chest pain

Prevention:

• Avoid close contact with infected people
• Maintain good ventilation
• Wear face masks in shelters or camps.

10. Snake and insect bites

Floodwater carries snakes, scorpions, and insects into human settlements, increasing the risk of dangerous bites and stings.

Symptoms:

• Bite marks or puncture wounds
• Swelling and sores
• Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
• Dizziness.

Prevention:

• Shake clothing and bedding before use.
• Use a flashlight at night.
• Seek immediate medical attention for any bites.

Conclusion

Be vigilant, be safe
Flood in Pakistan may be less frequent, but the health risks it poses can be just as deadly. Recognizing symptoms early and taking precautions can significantly reduce the risk of disease. As a community, we must emphasize hygiene, access to clean water, and health education to prevent outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.

If you found this article useful, please share it to raise awareness in flood-affected areas.

FAQS