Flooding in Thailand happens almost every year, especially during the rainy season, and it’s more than just property damage. Floods also bring health risks that people often overlook. Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 flood-related diseases reported over the past three years, along with simple ways to prevent and treat them.
1. Leptospirosis (Rat fever)
Proportion of cases: 35% of flood-related infections (source: Ministry of Public Health)
Leptospirosis spreads easily during floods because contaminated water often contains bacteria from rat urine. People can get infected just by wading through floodwater without boots or eating food contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms may start like the common cold, but in severe cases, the infection can damage the liver, kidneys, or even the heart.
Case example: In 2022, during severe flooding in Northeastern Thailand, 120 cases were reported. Some patients developed jaundice and required hospitalization.
Prevention: Wear waterproof boots when entering floodwater. Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and clean water afterward. Avoid drinking unfiltered or unboiled water, and don’t eat contaminated food.
Treatment: If you develop a fever or muscle pain, see a doctor immediately. Leptospirosis requires antibiotics, and delaying treatment can be life-threatening.
2. Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Proportion of cases: 28% (source: Department of Disease Control)
Floodwater exposure often causes skin problems on the feet. Standing in dirty water for long periods can lead to itching, small wounds, and fungal infections. If untreated, the condition can worsen, causing painful blisters or large open wounds.
Case example: In Bangkok (2021), a worker developed a severe fungal infection after wading through floodwater daily without boots, eventually requiring hospital treatment.
Prevention: Always wear boots. Wash your feet with soap after wading through floodwater, dry them thoroughly, and use antifungal cream if necessary.
Treatment: Apply antifungal ointments or creams. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor for further care.
3. Diarrheal Diseases
Proportion of cases: 20% (source: Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute)
Floods often disrupt water supply systems, leading to shortages of clean drinking water. Contaminated food and water are common causes of diarrhea during floods. Symptoms can appear within hours of consumption, and if severe, can cause dehydration and weakness.
Case example: In 2020, Nakhon Sawan Province reported multiple hospitalizations due to diarrheal illness from drinking contaminated water during floods.
Prevention: Always boil water before drinking, or use bottled water. Eat freshly cooked food.
Treatment: Drink oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. If diarrhea persists, see a doctor.
4. Influenza (Flu)
Proportion of cases: 10% (source: Department of Disease Control)
Crowded shelters during floods increase the risk of influenza outbreaks. Damp conditions and close contact make the flu spread easily. Symptoms include high fever, body aches, cough, and sore throat. Left untreated, influenza can progress to pneumonia.
Case example: In 2021, Northern Thailand experienced a flu outbreak during flood season, with more than 300 hospital admissions.
Prevention: Wash hands frequently, wear masks, and avoid crowded areas when possible.
Treatment: Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and monitor symptoms. If they worsen, consult a doctor.
5. Dengue Fever
Proportion of cases: 7% (source: Ministry of Public Health)
Flooding creates stagnant water, which serves as a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes, the carriers of dengue fever. Symptoms include high fever, joint and muscle pain, and in severe cases, internal bleeding.
Case example: After major flooding in Southern Thailand (2019), dengue cases spiked, with several patients admitted to intensive care units due to internal bleeding.
Prevention: Eliminate stagnant water around your home. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
Treatment: If fever lasts longer than 3 days, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid aspirin, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Final Note
Floods are an unavoidable reality in Thailand, but by taking simple preventive steps—such as protecting your feet, drinking clean water, using mosquito repellent, and maintaining hygiene—you can greatly reduce your health risks. Staying clean and caring for your health is the best protection you have.
Written by Dr.Matee Phakawech
Medical License Number 41601