Heavy rains have recently affected southern and eastern Taiwan. The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reminded the public that cleaning homes after heavy rain may involve contact with contaminated water and mud, while stagnant water can become mosquito breeding sites. Proper precautions are needed to reduce the risk of melioidosis, leptospirosis, enteric infectious diseases and dengue fever.

The CDC said leptospira bacteria may be found in the urine of rats and other animals. Once water or soil is contaminated, the bacteria can enter the body through wounds or mucous membranes. Melioidosis bacteria may also be present in contaminated soil and stagnant water and can cause infection through contact, drinking contaminated water or inhalation.

People cleaning their homes should wear masks, gloves and long rubber boots, and wash their hands thoroughly afterward. Anyone who develops fever, headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice or fatigue should seek medical attention promptly and tell doctors about any recent contact with contaminated water, mud or potentially polluted environments.

Drinking water and food safety should also be taken seriously. Water storage facilities contaminated by floodwater should be cleaned and disinfected before reuse, and drinking water should be thoroughly boiled. Food exposed to floodwater or left thawed for too long should not be eaten. Household surfaces can be disinfected with chlorine bleach diluted 1:100.

The CDC also urged residents to inspect, empty, clean and scrub containers after heavy rain to eliminate stagnant water and prevent dengue fever. The agency said 159,556 bottles of disinfectant are currently available nationwide and will continue to monitor demand in affected areas and coordinate supplies when necessary.