Clean water safety tip Comes from the Health Department in Belize

Safer water for better health -- the first-ever report depicting country-by-country estimates of the burden of disease due to water, sanitation and hygiene highlights how much disease could be prevented through increased access to safe water and better hygiene.

This comprehensive overview provides the epidemiological evidence and economic arguments for fully integrating water, sanitation and hygiene in countries' disease reduction strategies -- a pre-requisite to achieving the Millennium Development Goals. It also provides the basis for preventive action by all relevant sectors managing critical water resources and services in support of public health efforts. Lack of safe water, sanitation and hygiene remains one of the world’s most urgent health issues.

PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH - Belmopan. October 18, 2015.

Health Messages – Flooding Situation Protect children from becoming ill from diarrhoea, Hepatitis A, parasites and other health problems. Keep them away from flood water and mud. Make sure they do not play with anything hat has come in contact with flood water or mud. Drinking Water Safety Children, the elderly, and persons with chronic health problems are at greater risk of becoming ill from germs in dirty flood water. If you are not sure about the safety of your drinking water, either use bottled water or make your water safe by boiling or adding bleach (Clorox). 

* Boil water fully for at least 1 minute. This will kill most types of germs that cause disease. After boiling, let the water cool then store it in a clean, covered container.
* If you cannot boil water, disinfect it using household bleach (Clorox). Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of Clorox to each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before using it.

If you have a well located in a flooded area, it should be assumed to have been contaminated. The water should be disinfected after the flood waters recede. Contact your local health center for specific advice on the safety of your well water.

Food Safety
Keep your food safe during and after the flood.
* Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
*Throw away any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water
* Floodwater may have sewage and other harmful germs and chemicals

Home Safety
To prevent illness, disinfect and dry buildings and household items as soon as the flood water recedes. This will prevent growth of some bacteria, viruses, mold, and mildew that can cause
illness.
If there has been a backflow of sewage into your house, wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves and Clorox during cleanup. Remove and throw away contaminated household items that cannot be disinfected.

Prevent Dengue, Chikungunya and Malaria
Flooding provides more water for mosquitoes to breed. This can result in more cases of Dengue, Chikungunya and Malaria. Use mosquito repellent, sleep under a mosquito net, and use long
sleeve shirts and long pants to protect yourself from being bitten.

"A Health and Wellness Message from Your Ministry of Health"