{"id":10412,"date":"2025-03-01T14:07:59","date_gmt":"2025-03-01T19:07:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/dhan44\/"},"modified":"2025-09-10T15:27:40","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T20:27:40","slug":"dhan44","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/sections\/emsps\/php\/alerts\/alertshan2003\/dhan44\/","title":{"rendered":"Delaware Health Alert Network #44"},"content":{"rendered":"<div data-swiftype-index=\"true\">\n<div id=\"main_header\" class=\"container\">\n<p><!-- BEGIN readspeaker div --><\/p>\n<div id=\"readspeaker_button1\" class=\"rs_skip rsbtn rs_preserve\">\n<p><span class=\"rsbtn_left rsimg rspart\"><span class=\"rsbtn_text\">Listen<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END readspeaker div --><\/p>\n<header class=\"pull-left\">\n<h1>Delaware Health Alert Network #<!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Number\"]-->44 <!--[END]--><\/h1>\n<h2><!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Date\"]-->September 19, 2003 12:22 pm <!--[END]--><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<div class=\"row\">\n<div id=\"leftCol\" class=\"col-md-3\">\n<div id=\"accordion\" class=\"panel-group\">\n<div class=\"panel sectionmenu_panel\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<p class=\"panel-title\"><a class=\"agency_nav\" href=\"#collapseOne\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\"><strong><i class=\"fa fa-align-justify fa-fw\"><\/i> Public Health Menu<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"collapseOne\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse in\">\n<div id=\"clf_nav\" class=\"panel-body\">\n<ul id=\"agency_sidebar\" class=\"nav nav-stacked nav-pills-clf\">\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Home <i class=\"fa fa-home fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"toplevel\"><a href=\"#HomeMenu\" data-parent=\"#agency_sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>About <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2>\n<ul id=\"HomeMenu\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/about.html\">About DPH<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/sections.html\">Sections &amp; Programs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/offices\/\">Office Locations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/contact.html\">Contact Info<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/homepage\/calendars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Calendar<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"toplevel\"><a href=\"#ServicesMenu\" data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Services <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2>\n<ul id=\"ServicesMenu\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/servicesaz.html\">A-Z Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/environmental.html\">Air &amp; Water Quality<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/ss\/vitalstats.html\">Birth, Death, &amp; Marriage Records<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/clinics.html\">Clinics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/health-data-stats\/\">Health Data &amp; Statistics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/php\/emsps.html\">Emergency Preparedness<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/healthandwellness.html\">Health &amp; Wellness<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/healthyhomes.html\">Healthy Homes<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/sections\/hsp\/licenses-and-permits\/healthy-workplaces\/\">Healthy Workplaces<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/lab\/labs.html\">Laboratory<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/hsp\/feir.html\">Restaurant Inspections<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/screen.html\">Screening and Testing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/sections\/imimep\/imhome\/dhmic\/wic\/\">WIC<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/additional-services\/\">Additional Services<\/a><\/li>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"toplevel\"><a href=\"#InformationMenu\" data-parent=\"#sidebar\" data-toggle=\"collapse\"><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Information <i class=\"fa fa-caret-right fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2>\n<ul id=\"InformationMenu\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/fact-sheets-a-z\/\">A-Z Fact Sheets<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/pubs-reports-a-z\/\">A-Z Publications &amp; Reports<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/diseasesandconditions.html\">Diseases &amp; Conditions<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/faq.html\">FAQ&#8217;s<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/php\/alerts.html\">Health Alerts<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/homepage\/about\/sections\/community-health\/healthy-lifestyles\/\">Healthy Lifestyles<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/hipaa.html\">HIPAA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/about\/regulations\/\">Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/forms.html\">Request Forms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/dph\/links.html\">Links &amp; Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/delaware.gov\/help\/foia_request.shtml\">FOIA Request Form<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a><br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<h2>Connect <i class=\"fa fa-thumbs-o-up fa-fw\"><\/i><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"facebook\"><a title=\"Division of Public Health Facebook Page\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DEPublicHealth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i class=\"fa fa-facebook-square fa-lg\"><\/i> Facebook<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"twitter\"><a title=\"Delaware Health and Social Services Twitter Account\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Delaware_DHSS\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i class=\"fa fa-twitter-square fa-lg\"><\/i> Twitter<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!--\n \t\n\n<li class=\"googleplus\"><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"fa fa-google-plus-square fa-lg\"><\/i> Google +<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n \t\n\n<li class=\"flickr\"><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"fa fa-flickr fa-lg\"><\/i> Flickr<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n \t\n\n<li class=\"youtube\"><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"fa fa-youtube-square fa-lg\"><\/i> Youtube<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n \t\n\n<li class=\"instagram\"><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"fa fa-instagram fa-lg\"><\/i> Instagram<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n \t\n\n<li class=\"linkedin\"><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"fa fa-linkedin-square fa-lg\"><\/i> Linkedin<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n \t\n\n<li class=\"pinterest\"><a href=\"#\"><i class=\"fa fa-pinterest-square fa-lg\"><\/i> Pinterest<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n--><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"main_content\" class=\"col-md-9\">\n<h2 class=\"center\">Health<\/h2>\n<p><!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHANType\"]--><\/p>\n<p>Advisory<!--[END]--><\/p>\n<p><!--[type=EDIT name=\"DHAN Heading\"]--><\/p>\n<p>AVOID VIRUSES AND DISEASE DURING AND AFTER FLOODS<!--[END]--><\/p>\n<p><!--[type=HTMLEDIT name=\"Content\"]--><\/p>\n<p>Delaware&#8217;s Division of Public Health (DPH) advises Delawareans that all floodwaters can contain disease-causing organisms such as<\/p>\n<p>viruses and bacteria. If any part of public or private water supplies is flooded, the entire system is in danger of being contaminated<\/p>\n<p>and should not be used for cooking, drinking, washing or bathing. Delawareans in or near areas that have flooded should not drink their<\/p>\n<p>water until officials notify them that it is safe to do so. The causes of contamination include sewage or septic system back-ups in<\/p>\n<p>homes, businesses or floodwaters, dead animals, chemical run-off and other debris.<\/p>\n<p>This type of contaminated water is commonly referred to as brown or black water. Materials contaminated with floodwater present an acute<\/p>\n<p>health risk if not properly cleaned or discarded.<\/p>\n<p>Human waste contains many organisms that have the potential to cause disease. Even if they are not ill, people can carry the organisms<\/p>\n<p>that cause disease and transmit them through their feces. Viruses such as Hepatitis A, which causes liver disease, are commonly found in<\/p>\n<p>wastewater. Other viruses present in wastewater may attack the central nervous system, skin, or the heart.<\/p>\n<p>Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common type of bacteria found in feces that is used to monitor for fecal contamination of water supplies.<\/p>\n<p>Bacteria have the potential to cause intestinal infections such as gastroenteritis (stomach upset) and dysentery (diarrhea). Another<\/p>\n<p>common type of bacteria found in human feces is Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that cause tetanus. People with wounds or scratches that<\/p>\n<p>have been exposed to flood waters should seek medical attention, as bacteria, viruses, protozoans and worms can enter the body through<\/p>\n<p>such breaks in the skin.<\/p>\n<p>Children should not be allowed to swim or play in or around stormwater collection drains or outfalls, or other questionable bodies of<\/p>\n<p>water. Children and immuno-suppressed people are at increased risk of becoming ill if they are exposed to flood waters.<\/p>\n<p>Any sewage backup into a residence must be properly cleaned to minimize the risk of disease. Floors should be cleaned with a 10% bleach<\/p>\n<p>solution (or other comparable commercially available disinfectant). Caution must be exercised not to mix bleach with any other household<\/p>\n<p>cleaners, as fumes can cause injury. Contaminated carpets should be replaced or cleaned by a professional cleaning contractor.<\/p>\n<p>Contaminated skin should be washed thoroughly with warm soapy water for a minimum of ten (10) minutes. DPH recommends that carpet and<\/p>\n<p>upholstered furniture damaged by floodwaters should be discarded. If cleaning laundry, wash items separately in hot water with a 10%<\/p>\n<p>bleach solution, or color-safe bleach.<\/p>\n<p>Delaware residents served by public water systems should flush all water lines, including hot water lines, thoroughly. Ask water<\/p>\n<p>companies if they are disinfecting the water lines. Private well owners should have a licensed plumber or well driller disinfect the well<\/p>\n<p>and have it tested before using the water for cooking, drinking, washing and bathing.<\/p>\n<p>Bacteria and mold can present health dangers indoors long after the floodwaters recede. Poor indoor air quality can lead to various<\/p>\n<p>health issues including respiratory problems, allergies, and can continue to damage building materials long after the floodwaters have<\/p>\n<p>receded. Prompt and proper clean up is important to eliminate possible or continued mold and bacterial growth.<\/p>\n<p>Since many of the microorganisms, which can cause health effects, need moist environments to survive, water should be pumped, swept, or<\/p>\n<p>otherwise removed from inside the building. Be sure to thoroughly dry the building through the use of fans, dehumidifiers (if it is safe<\/p>\n<p>to use electricity), and opening of windows to increase air circulation. Carbon monoxide levels from fossil fuels can build up if<\/p>\n<p>gasoline-powered generators, camp stoves and lanterns, or charcoal-burning devices are used indoors. Carbon monoxide is a colorless,<\/p>\n<p>odorless, gas that can be deadly at high levels. Do not use combustion devices designed for outdoor use indoors. If the power is out,<\/p>\n<p>carbon monoxide detectors without batteries will not function.<\/p>\n<p>Drying can usually be successful during the first 24 to 48 hours following water contamination. After that time period, removing wet<\/p>\n<p>materials is usually the best option. It may be necessary to remove portions of walls, ceilings, and floors to fully accomplish a<\/p>\n<p>complete drying out of the house. Certain building materials (for example, wallboard, fiberglass, insulation, and wall-to-wall carpeting)<\/p>\n<p>that were soaked only with clean rainwater may be able to be saved if dried properly and completely.<\/p>\n<p>For more information or other public health concerns, contact the Division of Public Health at 1-888-459-2943.<\/p>\n<p><!--[END]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"panel panel-danger\">\n<div class=\"panel-heading\">\n<h2>Categories of Health Alert messages:<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"panel-body\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Health Alert:<\/strong> Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health Advisory:<\/strong> Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Health Update:<\/strong> Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div><strong>NOTE: This page is for informational purposes only and dated material (e.g. temporary websites) may not be available.<\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- \/container --><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Listen Delaware Health Alert Network #44 September 19, 2003 12:22 pm Public Health Menu Home About About DPH Sections &amp; Programs Office Locations Contact Info Calendar Services A-Z Services Air &amp; Water Quality Birth, Death, &amp; Marriage Records Clinics Health Data &amp; Statistics Emergency Preparedness Health &amp; Wellness Healthy Homes Healthy Workplaces Laboratory Restaurant Inspections [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":0,"parent":10485,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-10412","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10412","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10412"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10412\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27756,"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10412\/revisions\/27756"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10485"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www-test.dhss.delaware.gov\/dph\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10412"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}