Health warning after flooding

A government medical officer has warned that households affected by flooding could be in danger of contracting disease.

However, Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride has stressed that while the major health issue would stem from the stress and strain of the event, raw sewage may be present in many flooded areas.

“Booster immunisations or antibiotics are not usually required,” he said.

“Harmful gut bacteria such as E.coli 0157 may be present in sewage and animal slurry, and this can pass into flood water, although there is likely to be substantial dilution and therefore the risk to health is low.”

He also said people should not consume any food which came into contact with the flood water.

“Ensure all surfaces that food will come into contact with are sound and disinfected.

“In particular, make sure that the shelves including those in your refrigerator where food is stored are cleaned and disinfected.”

Parts of Belfast, Omagh and other areas were flooded on Tuesday after Northern Ireland suffered the equivalent of the entire rainfall for the month of June.

(JM/KMcA)