Earlier we told you about the receding flood waters in Bullet Tree Village where there is no electricity and a shortage of potable water. Those are ripe conditions that can trigger a public health crisis. To avoid it - a doctor has been posted at the community center. We spoke to two of his patients –Rigoberto Manazanero who had a rash on his feet – and Carmen Pott – whose 7 year old son has had a fever for two days. They told us about their flood related ailments.
Carmen Pott, Son has fever
“Sake a the rains and all them things my son get fever. He is sick because of all the rains and the floating and all them things. I think that is why my baby get sick. I went to the doctor and the doctor gave me my medicine for my son for the fever. He gave me this medicine.”
Rigoberto Manzanero, Rash on his feet
“Being under too much water all day and night walking in lots of water and that is what is damaging my foot. It is a rash that itches you between your toes.”
Keith Swift,
What did the doctor tell you?
Rigoberto Manzanero,
“He just told me I have to wash good my foot and then take this.”
The Ministry of Health today sent out an advisory about practicing good hygiene which include boiling water for drinking and cooking, making sure food is well cooked, disposing of waste properly, and washing hands before eating and handling food.
