TASMANIANS have been warned that floodwaters across the north and east are potentially contaminated with sewage, particularly in the Invermay area.
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Acting Director of Public Health Kelly Shaw said dirty water, mud and silt that floods create, can cause a range of conditions, including gastroenteritis and skin and soft-tissue infections.
``Public Health Services advise that where possible people avoid contact with flood surface waters,'' he said.
``Public Health Services also advise people not to swim at recreational sites for at least three days after the cessation of the current rainfall event due to floodwaters contaminated with sewage potentially entering recreational sites.''
The service advises that cuts and scratches acquired in a flood-affected area should be cleaned immediately and covered to avoid infection.
``You need to seek medical attention if any such cut becomes painful and red and if you develop a fever,'' Mr Shaw said.
``When you are cleaning up after a flood, be sure to thoroughly clean any part of your body that has been exposed to flood water, mud or silt.
``And make sure your immunisations – especially tetanus – are up-to-date.
``The mud brought in by floodwaters also makes surfaces – such as footpaths, roads and floors – very slippery and falls are not unusual in flood clean-ups.
``People should wear appropriate clothing and footwear if cleaning up in areas affected by floods.''
Water outages:
Some Invermay, Mayfield and Rosevears residents are without water due to mains breaks.
TasWater has advised customers in the Invermay Road area that the estimated return of services is around 3pm.
Mayfield's estimated time for return of services is 2pm, while Rosevears' is 1pm.
