It has been nearly one week since Hurricane Ian slammed into the southwest coast of Florida as a strong Category 4 storm. While the death toll continues to rise as search and rescue crews work to find survivors, experts caution that there are also a number of unexpected health impacts that a hurricane of this magnitude can deliver. Here are a few of the most significant health concerns that you need to be aware of when dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane.

Water Contamination

Dozens of municipalities were still under a boil water advisory days after Ian's landfall. Contamination of an area's water supply is a common problem after a severe storm of this nature. Sewage and agricultural run-offs combine with flooding of wastewater facilities to make it difficult to keep up with the purification process. Water contamination can lead to a variety of adverse effects including the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

One particularly worrisome issue is that contaminated water may also contain chemicals that are toxic to your health. This happens when spills in industrial areas leak into the water supply. It does not take much runoff for water to become contaminated with pesticides, lead, and other metals.

Do not drink your water until officials say that it is safe to do so. It is also important to stay out of the flood waters. The murkiness of this water makes it difficult to see beyond the surface, potentially leading to accidents or infection.

Increase of Infectious Diseases

History has shown us that the spread of infectious diseases often rises after a natural disaster. For instance, mosquito infestations are more common when standing water has been present for a lengthy period of time. These infestations can potentially trigger an increase in diseases related to mosquitos, including West Nile virus.

In addition, it is not surprising to learn that illness and disease spreads more readily among people who were forced to take refuge from the storm and aftermath in emergency shelters. The close quarters with strangers is a petri dish. This issue has been exacerbated in recent years with the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news is that the acceptance of face masks has given the world another line of defense in these situations.

Hazards in the Home

You are going to want to proceed with caution when returning to your home after an evacuation. A home that was hit by a severe storm may have dangers lurking around every corner. If your home or business was severely damaged, it is recommended that a professional inspect the gas lines, plumbing system, and electrical components before you return to inhabiting the structure.

Faulty wires or breaks in the plumbing could trigger electrocution, flooding, and a myriad of other issues. You should also dispose of food that may have been exposed to flood waters even if it appears safe.

Breathing Complications

Once the floodwaters recede, it is typical to see an increase in mold. The toxins from these spores can trigger chronic health issues. While you may think the inhalation of these spores only leads to annoying symptoms such as a runny nose, they can actually cause more serious health complications down the road. Some of the most common places for mold to begin to grow includes basements, attics, and crawl spaces.

The good news is that you can treat the mold growth and rid yourself of this potential issue. While large areas of mold may necessitate that you call in a professional, smaller areas can be treated at home using a HEPA vacuum cleaner and the right cleaning products.

Mental Health Concerns

Last but not least, the return to normalcy can be a difficult transition for some people. Mental health issues also jump in the days, weeks, and months following a natural disaster. The unknowns of dealing with this tragic event understandably may cause anxiety or depression.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another prevalent problem after an event such as this. Be sure to seek professional help if you or a loved one are experiencing mental health issues.

There is no doubt that this is a difficult time for those living in Florida and the Southeast. Being aware of these health impacts can help you to make better decisions in the days and weeks ahead.