HomeMy WebLinkAbout42718HealthRecommendationsRelatedtotheFloodResponse04,
BERNARDP. CARVALHO JR.WALLACE G. REZENTES JR.
Mayor Managing Director
COUNTY OF KAUA'I
KAUA'I EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
News Release
For Immediate Release: April 27, 2018
ELTON LISHIO, ADMINISTRATOR
Tel (808) 241-1800
Fax (808) 241-1860
From the Kauai District Health Office: Health Recommendations Related to
the Flood Response
Medical Services at Hanalei Colonv Resort:
The medical team deployed to H5'ena jointly by the Hawaii Department of Health
(DOH), Hawaii Healthcare Emergency Management (HHEM), and the Kauai
Emergency Operations Center (EOC), has been operating out of Hanalei Colony Resort
since Friday, April 20. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with after-hours care
provided for urgent needs. During the first week of clinic services, the team treated 212
residents for skin and wound infections, abrasions and other injuries that are common
following flooding events. In addition, they have also seen many patients for chronic
health conditions, resupply of prescription medications and tetanus boosters. The
medical team will remain in place while the need exists. The team is able to meet the
healthcare needs of the community at this time and is not currently in need of medical
volunteers.
Mental Health Services:
Natural disasters are stressful and can cause emotional reactions, which everyone
experiences differently. Taking care of your emotional and mental health will go a long
way while trying to recover from a natural disaster. Talk to your family members and
friends to maintain a strong support system. Help your children by sharing age -
appropriate information and being honest. Set a good example for children by taking
care of yourself. Take breaks and unwind periodically and ask for help if you need it. In
the aftermath of a natural disaster, eligibility for mental health services is very broad and
services are available to anyone with needs related to the disaster. Friday morning
through Sunday afternoon (4/27-4/29), a mental health counselor from the Department of
Health will be stationed out of Hanalei Colony Resort to provide counseling services to
affected residents. After determining the overall need in the community, we will continue
to provide mental health services as necessary. Mental health services are also available
via phone.
o Kaua`i Family Guidance Center: (M-F 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.), call 808-274-3883
o Kaua`i Community Mental Health Center Branch: (M-F 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) 808-
274-3190
o Crisis Line of Hawaii (24/7): call 1-800-753-6879
o Child & Family Service's Hawaii Parent Line: (M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m. / Sat 9 a.m.-1
p.m.) 1-800-816-1222
o Disaster Distress Helpline: (nationwide 24/7): call 1-800-985-5990,
TTY 1-800-846-8517; Text TalkWithUs to 66746
Brown Water Advisories:
DOH continues to actively monitor the quality of coastal waters. Residents and visitors
are encouraged to check the CWB website for the most current information
http://health.hawaii.gov/cwb/. The public is advised to stay out of floodwaters and storm
water runoff due to possible overflowing cesspools, sewer, manholes, pesticides, animal
fecal matter, dead animals, pathogens, chemicals, and associated flood debris. Do not
allow children to play in floodwater areas. DOH recommendations for protection from
floodwaters also apply to areas that have been in contact with floodwaters. As the
floodwaters recede, residual contamination will persist in mud, debris, vegetation, and
sand. A good rule of thumb is that if an area smells like it is contaminated by sewage or
other malodorous materials, it can be assumed to be contaminated. The appropriate
precautions include: avoiding contact as much as possible, using protective clothing and
covering if contact is necessary, washing off promptly with soap and clean water after
contact, and seeking prompt medical attention if skin irritation or signs of infection
develop.
Tetanus
Participating in cleanup operations following a flood event increases the likelihood of
wounds that are susceptible to tetanus and other infections. These risks can be reduced
with wound care and tetanus vaccination. Immediately clean all cuts and scrapes with
soap and water to reduce the chance of infection. Make sure you are up-to-date on your
immunizations by checking your record or contacting your healthcare provider. For
additional information on tetanus vaccination, please call the Kauai District Health Office
at 808-241-3495.
Leptospirosis
Exposure to floodwaters also poses a risk of leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial
disease that affects humans and animals. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills,
sweating, muscle pain, and vomiting. Occasionally, yellowing (jaundice) of the skin and
the whites of the eyes and a rash may also occur. If you have symptoms that indicate
possible leptospirosis infection, seek medical attention immediately.
Practice good sanitation:
Wash your hands often with soap and clean water to prevent spreading and contracting
any illnesses, especially before handling and preparing food to avoid food contamination.
If soap and clean water is unavailable, hand sanitizer may be used instead.
Mosquito concerns:
Mosquitoes can and will breed in areas of standing water. Apply mosquito repellent
containing DEET to exposed skin and wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves,
long pants, and covered shoes. If you're located in an area that wasn't as heavily
impacted, get rid of standing water where you can. Department of Health vector control
staff will be available to conduct mosquito abatement activities, including surveillance
and treatment. Please call Environmental Health Vector Control at 241-3306.
Control rats, slugs and snails on your property:
Widespread flooding has increased pockets of moisture as well as debris across
communities. Control rats, slugs and snails on your property by eliminating their food
sources and cleaning up trash. Use traps and bait according to label instructions and
always wear gloves. Collect slugs and snails and dispose of them in a hard plastic or
glass container filled with seven parts water to one part chlorine, bleach, or salt. These
steps can help prevent illnesses such as rat lungworm disease. For more information, go
to the University of Hawaii's College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources'
website at http://manoa.hawaii.edu/ctahr/farmfoodsafetv/rat-lungworm/.
Food safety tips:
Make sure to throw away spoiled or unrefrigerated food to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Minimize the presence of flies and rodents by disposing of food in covered and sealed
containers.
Mold Exposure and Removal:
Exposure to mold can have harmful health effects. Mold can begin to grow within 24-48
hours after flooding. Remove standing water as quickly as possible. Take steps to dry
out your home and remove wet materials and objects. Items that cannot be cleaned and
dried within 24-48 hours should be discarded. Make sure to follow label instructions and
wear protective gear (i.e. gloves, face masks, etc.) when using cleaners and
disinfectants during the cleanup process.
MUM