Communicable diseases detected in flood-hit areas

"We have been detecting cases since Tuesday evening and we can expect the number of cases to spread in the coming days," the regional unit of the NIJZ has told the STA.

The cases have been detected in the municipalities along the Meža River, with somewhat more cases in and around Črna na Koroškem, the town at the epicentre of flooding. The clusters are isolated for the time being.

An epidemiologist from the NIJZ local unit is there to monitor the situation and cooperate with the authorities and the people. More than ten people have been reported to have sought help so far, with the symptoms of diarrhoea, stomachache and fever.

It is estimated that the number of infected people is higher, as not all of them are likely to have asked for help.

Parts of the northern Koroška region are still without water supply, and even in areas that do have it people need to boil water to make it safe, which entails risks to public health.

It is not clear yet what caused the diseases, but potential risks include contaminated tap water, contaminated food, contact with contaminated debris, poor sanitary conditions and such.

The NIJZ urged following preventive measures in the given situation, advising the locals to use bottled or boiled water for consumption, brushing their teeth, and washing fruits and vegetables.

They are also advised to shower from the neck down to prevent water coming into contact with their face and mouth. They should also wash and sanitise their hands when preparing food.

The debris deposited by water should be handled with gloves.

Protective gloves are also an obligatory part of the equipment for those helping with the clean-up efforts.