McHenry County Residents Warned About Floodwater Dangers, Illness

WOODSTOCK, IL — As heavy rains across the area are expected to continue and lead to more flooding, the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) advises residents that flood water can contaminate food and drinking water. In a release, the MCDH cautions residents of the dangers of flood water, including being aware of solid waste clean up, water wells and septic.

According to a release from the MCDH, a private water well which has been submerged must be considered contaminated and unsafe to consume for cooking, drinking, preparing food, baby formula or brushing teeth.

"The health department will perform free testing of flooded private water wells for coliform bacteria after the flood waters have receded and the well has been flushed and disinfected," department officials said in the release.

The MCDH advises residents to get bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least 5 minutes before use.

To avoid getting a waterborne illness, the MCDH recommends that residents affected by flooding visit the department’s web page for flood-related clean up information.

Flood clean-up safety reminders from MCDH include:

• Before starting evacuation or cleanup activities, know your tetanus vaccination status and make sure that you have been vaccinated within the last 10 years, including anyone who comes in contact with flood water and have open wounds.
• In some situations your physician may decide that a tetanus vaccine is needed as early as 5 years since the last dose.
• Never allow children to play in flood waters and seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms of water-borne illness after exposure to flood waters. (Common water-borne illness symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps).
• To prevent the spread of disease, always wash your hands with warm water and soap before handling, preparing, or eating food.
• Be sure to disinfect food preparation surfaces that may have been contaminated by flood water, and carefully examine food or beverage containers.
• Flooded, non-permeable surfaces of indoor areas (walls, floors, etc.) must be scrubbed with warm, soapy water, and linens and clothing should be washed in hot water or dry cleaned.
• Never pump sewage-contaminated water into the yard or into the street. If there is sewage backup and the drains are connected to the sewer system, then it can be disposed of by pumping it into the toilet or floor drains.

According to the health department, exposure to flood waters does not increase the risk of tetanus. However, emergency responders and others impacted by floods may be at an "increased risk for wounds or may have wounds such as cuts, bruises, or scrapes that become contaminated," the release said.

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The MCDH said it offers tetanus vaccine boosters, or residents can contact their health care provider for one. Call 815-334-4500 for information.

For more information, read the department’s "After the Flood" document in addition to answers to frequently asked flood clean up questions.

Details on clean up and disinfection is available at the Environmental Health section or by calling 815-334-4585.