PETALING JAYA: With the country being inundated with extreme rain and severe flooding, there is a heightened risk of infectious diseases and complications for those with long-term illnesses.

Leptospirosis spreads through water contaminated with animal urine and can lead to fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle aches.

Cholera, caused by contaminated food or water, may result in severe dehydration within hours if untreated.

Flooded areas also create stagnant pools that accelerate the breeding of aedes mosquitoes, increasing the risk of dengue while long exposure to dirty floodwater can also cause fungal infections and skin inflammation.

Alpro Pharmacy chief pharmacist and director of engagement Lim En Ni said when the water level rose, risks of leptospirosis, cholera, dengue and various skin infections increased significantly due to contaminated water, reduced sanitation and rapid breeding of mosquitoes.

“Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart conditions are at much higher risk if their treatment is disrupted. It is vital that they remain on their medications.

“People should stay alert for symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, headaches, rashes or sudden weakness".

“Flooding also creates unsanitary conditions and can lead to respiratory issues from dust, fungi, mould, while contact with floodwater can cause coughing, asthma, lung allergies, skin infections and illnesses.” Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh 

“Early action can prevent serious complications. During a disaster, recognising symptoms quickly is extremely important,” said the pharmacist.

Public health expert Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said water-borne diseases can transmit through contaminated flood waters leading to a host of diseases such as gastrointestinal illnesses like cholera, typhoid, dysentery and diarrhea.

She said vectors such as mosquitoes and rats too can breed diseases. “These can breed in stagnant water, debris and spread diseases like dengue, leptospirosis and malaria.

“Flooding also creates unsanitary conditions and can lead to respiratory issues from dust, fungi, mould, while contact with floodwater can cause coughing, asthma, lung allergies, skin infections and illnesses,” she said.

Dr Sharifa Ezat said the public should also beware of hazards such as risk of drowning, being struck by electricity or sharp and heavy objects.

“There is risk of hypothermia especially if one is in the water for prolonged periods mainly involving children and elderly folk. This can lead to deaths,” she cautioned.

People may also lack clean water due to contamination with animal faeces or human sewage which can predispose them to gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, vomiting and fever,” she added.

Retired Health Ministry director Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said when floodwater mixes with sewage, garbage, and chemicals, it becomes a toxic soup filled with harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites.

“Simply walking through it, or using contaminated water to clean or cook, can make you sick,” he said.

He advised the public to consume boiled water and refrain from using tap water until it is confirmed as safe.

He said good hygiene which includes washing hands regularly, disinfecting the house and protecting feet with waterproof footwear must also be observed.

“If you or a family member develops a fever, severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea or vomiting, do not wait. Go to a clinic or hospital right away,” he said.

In response to the situation, Alpro Pharmacy and Alpro epharmacy are also extending support to affected communities by activating the Life-saving Medication Care Programme.

This initiative, subsidised by the Alpro Foundation, provides a one-time supply of up to seven days of chronic medication at no cost to verified flood victims.

Flood victims who require chronic medication may visit any of Alpro Pharmacy’s 300 outlets nationwide. A police report regarding the flood incident is required for verification.

For those who have misplaced or lost their prescriptions, Alpro epharmacy will provide complimentary online consultation and e-prescription services to facilitate the provision of their medication supply.

For more information on the Life-saving Medication Care Programme or to locate the nearest Alpro Pharmacy, contact Alpro customer care at 013-398 2923 or speak with a professional pharmacist via the Alpro epharmacy Whatsapp hotline at 019-702 1923.