SA Medical Research Council warns of rising health risks following severe flooding

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has warned of rising health risks following severe flooding in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, particularly for vulnerable communities.

"As the days go on, the likelihood of perhaps seeing waterborne diseases, such as diarrheal disease, cholera and others, could become a concern. We really need to keep a tight eye on the situation, which is also difficult given that people cannot necessarily access healthcare facilities in all places.

"The difficult thing is that the water has taken away infrastructure and roads, which really are in much need of repair and reinforcement, making it very difficult for people to access healthcare," explains Chief Specialist Scientist Professor Caradee Wright.

She adds, "The kinds of concerns that we have are things around skin and soft tissue injuries that can happen following trauma. The worry then is that these may have bacterial causes, the Staphylococcus, and of course, any of the less common water-dwelling organisms that can lead to fungal infections.

"People should keep track of what's going on with their wounds. Don't keep it covered for the next week. Please keep an eye on it. If it starts to get different or change, and it's painful or very hot, please do try and seek care."

Residents have been urged to boil drinking water where possible and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Wright stresses that persistent diarrhoea, infected wounds or flu-like symptoms following mosquito bites should not be ignored.

To listen to Wright on 702 and CapeTalk's The Midday Report, use the audio player below: