Gastrointestinal illnesses, respiratory illnesses, skin infections and leptospirosis are the four health risks that may increase after rainfall in the Metropolitan Region and other parts of the country, according to T13. The warning came from Dr. Alejandra Marcotti, an infectious disease specialist at Clínica Alemana.
The warning follows recent weather fronts that left standing water, persistent dampness and overwhelmed sanitation systems. Another event bringing rain, hail and thunderstorms is already forecast for next week in Santiago.
"The risk of contracting illnesses increases exponentially after intense and continuous rainfall," the specialist said. She therefore urged the community to remain alert.
The first group is gastrointestinal illnesses. When sewage overflows, it can contaminate water and food, facilitating the spread of diarrhea, cholera, typhoid fever and hepatitis A.
The second is respiratory conditions. Cold temperatures, lingering dampness and mold in homes increase cases of bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma attacks, Marcotti explained.
The third is skin infections. Direct contact with standing water or contaminated mud can cause dermatitis, mycosis (fungal infections) and so-called "trench foot," a foot injury caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. The risk is greater when there are open wounds.
The fourth is leptospirosis, an uncommon disease. It spreads through contact with floodwater or mud contaminated with urine from infected rodents or other animals.
For prevention, the infectious disease specialist recommends drinking only bottled or boiled water, avoiding food that has come into contact with floodwater and cooking food thoroughly. She also suggests avoiding walking through flooded areas or letting children play in them.
If you return to an affected home, Marcotti advises wearing gloves, rubber boots and a mask. She also recommends ventilating damp spaces and disinfecting surfaces with bleach.
The specialist urged people to use emergency services responsibly. For fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing or serious skin lesions, she recommended visiting a healthcare facility or booking a telemedicine appointment.
