Increase in certain diseases after floods.

These days, several hospitals in the province are reporting a large number of people seeking treatment for common illnesses following the floods, with diseases such as hand, foot and mouth disease, conjunctivitis, dermatitis, and digestive disorders accounting for the majority.

Doctors at the Dien Khanh Regional Health Center examine Mr. Vo Van Cu.

Mr. Vo Van Cu (72 years old, Dien Dien commune) came to the Examination Department of the Dien Khanh Regional Health Center for a check-up with several areas of skin damage on his legs. Mr. Cu said his house was flooded by more than 2 meters. After the water receded, the area around his house was littered with garbage and mud. He had to wade through dirty water for many days to clean up, causing his legs to itch, burn, and ache intensely. “My legs are sore, itchy, and very painful; I couldn’t sleep for days. The mud was a hand's width thick, and I had to clean it for days straight, so I couldn’t go to the doctor. Now I finally have time to go.”

Following the floods, due to difficulties in transportation and access to medical care, many people choose to self-medicate with over-the-counter creams when experiencing itching and rashes. Ms. Huynh Thi Hoai, from Dien Khanh commune, shared: “My house was completely submerged by the floods, and I waded through water for a week. My legs developed red bumps, which then turned into boils. I went to the pharmacy to buy some ointment. Today, I had some free time, so I went for a check-up to put my mind at ease.” According to doctors, self-medicating with antibiotics or corticosteroids without professional guidance can worsen skin conditions, increase the risk of infection, spread the infection, and even lead to drug resistance, making future treatment more complicated.

According to the head of the Dien Khanh Regional Health Center, after the floods, the Outpatient Department receives an average of 20-30 dermatological cases per day, 2-3 times higher than before the floods. Health stations in the Nha Trang area also recorded about 160 cases related to skin diseases. Most people suffered from contact dermatitis, rashes, itching, or infections due to contact with contaminated floodwater. Doctors say that after each flood, the incidence of skin diseases always increases. Floodwater contains mud, chemicals, animal waste, and garbage, making the skin vulnerable. Even a small scratch can allow bacteria to enter, causing inflammation, swelling, pus formation, and even ulcers if not treated promptly. Dr. Le Truong Van from the Examination Department of the Dien Khanh Regional Health Center said: “In the first few days after the floods, the number of cases coming for examination was not high, but from the third day onwards, it increased rapidly, with several cases of severe infections. Common skin diseases include contact dermatitis, fungal skin infections, and athlete's foot. We advise that when skin diseases are detected, people should seek medical attention early. During the process of clearing mud and debris, people should wear gloves, shoes, boots, etc.; and then clean their bodies thoroughly.” Along with skin diseases, the center's Examination Department also recorded many cases of digestive disorders, conjunctivitis, etc.

Doctors at the Provincial Hospital for Tropical Diseases examine a patient suffering from scrub typhus.

At the Provincial Hospital for Tropical Diseases, in the first week after the floods, nearly 120 patients were admitted for inpatient treatment. These included: 15 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease, 18 cases of dengue fever, 1 case of diarrhea, and notably, 1 case of scrub typhus. Although scrub typhus is rare, it is easily contracted after floods. The danger of scrub typhus lies in its symptoms being similar to those of other illnesses (prolonged high fever, severe headache, congested skin and mucous membranes, and rash...), leading to misdiagnosis. If not detected and treated promptly, this disease can lead to extremely dangerous complications. Ms. Tran Thi Hoa (Dien Tho commune) said: “After the flood, I had a fever and body aches. I went to many places for examination but they couldn't find any illness, suspecting dengue fever or a cold… Seeing that my condition didn't improve, I went to the Provincial Hospital for Tropical Diseases. There, the doctor diagnosed me with scrub typhus. Before that, I was bitten by something, and there was some swelling, but then the swelling healed so I didn't pay attention to it.” Doctors advise that after the floods, people should limit contact with dirty water, use boots and gloves when cleaning, and wash with clean water immediately after contact with floodwater; avoid going to areas with dense, damp vegetation. When unusual symptoms appear, they should go to a medical facility immediately for examination and timely treatment.

Proactive post-flood prevention measures will help each individual protect their health, reduce the risk of contracting post-flood diseases that could develop into dangerous complications, or even spread into epidemics in the community.

C.DAN

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/xa-hoi/202512/gia-tang-mot-so-benh-sau-mua-lu-b2f4705/