November 27, 2025 | 11:48 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Extreme weather has triggered floods and landslides in several cities and regencies in North Sumatra, West Sumatra, and Aceh in the past few days. Head of the BNPB Disaster Data, Information, and Communication Center Abdul Muhari stated that the floods for the past two days have had heavy flows that struck the homes of residents in several areas.
Water contamination, sanitation damage, and the increasing population of vectors such as mosquitoes and rats make floods the gateway to various diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the Indonesian Ministry of Health have recorded at least six to ten diseases that most commonly appear during floods.
1. Typhoid Fever
Typhoid is caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria transmitted through contaminated food or drinking water. Poor hygiene during floods accelerates its spread. According to the IFRC, typhoid outbreaks often occur in areas with damaged clean water supplies. Symptoms include prolonged fever, headache, nausea, and digestive disorders.
2. Cholera
Vibrio cholerae causes extreme watery diarrhea that can lead to death within hours if untreated. The IFRC noted that the floods in West Bengal in 1998 triggered a major cholera epidemic. The lack of access to clean water and sanitation becomes the main trigger.
3. Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A virus spreads through consuming food or water contaminated with feces. Floods make the movement of the virus easier due to the contamination of many clean water sources. Symptoms include fever, nausea, dark urine, and jaundice.
4. Malaria
Malaria is spread through the bite of Anopheles mosquitoes. Pools of water after floods become ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. The IFRC noted malaria outbreaks after floods in Costa Rica (1991) and the Dominican Republic (2004). Prevention includes the use of bed nets, repellents, and larvae control.
5. Dengue Fever
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes increase drastically after floods, leading to dengue transmission. Dengue fever can develop into a severe condition that threatens lives. Symptoms include fever, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and rash.
6. Leptospirosis
Known as "flood fever," this disease is transmitted by the Leptospira bacteria from rat urine that contaminates flood water. The bacteria enters through wounds or mucous membranes. The Ministry of Health warns that the symptoms can be similar to common flu and can lead to organ failure if not treated promptly.
7. Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI)
Overcrowded and damp temporary shelters make ARI highly transmissible. The Ministry of Health noted ARI as one of the most common diseases after floods, especially in young children and the elderly.
8. Skin Diseases
Prolonged contact with dirty flood water causes dermatitis, fungal infections, and bacterial skin infections. Small wounds can worsen if not cleaned immediately.
9. Hypothermia
The BNPB has reported cases of death due to hypothermia during the New Year floods in Jakarta. This condition occurs when the body loses heat too quickly, causing the body temperature to drop below 35 degrees Celsius. Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable.
10. Exacerbation of Chronic Diseases
Floods disrupt access to medication, worsening the condition of patients with chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. Stress and fatigue due to evacuation also affect the body's immune system.
How to Prevent Them?
IFRC and the Ministry of Health suggest several important steps to prevent flood victims from contracting these diseases. First is to use clean or boiled water for eating and drinking. Flood victims are also advised to avoid contact with floodwater if they have wounds.
Furthermore, flood victims are advised to always wear boots when passing through flood waters if necessary. Don't forget to clean up stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding grounds. You are also advised to wash your hands with soap frequently. Finally, seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms of fever, diarrhea, or skin rash.
NUR NADIAH ISLAMIYAH | EPIDEMICS.IFRC | MOH
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