The coordinator of the Environmental Health Committee of the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), Juan Antonio Ortega García, pointed out this Thursday the “immediate” risks that minors face affected by the floods caused by the passage of the DANA, especially in the Valencian Community, the most affected territory.
García explained that in the first days, the greatest risks are related to drowning, significant injuries, electrocutions and even poisoningas stated during a special information session organized by the AEP, to address the physical and emotional health of children and adolescents affected by the floods.
“Remember that children under five years of age are a very vulnerable group for drowning, (…) in the first days, visits for gastroenteritis and diarrheal seizures increased, especially in the smallest children,” he explained.
In that sense, he has urged use bottled watersince in cases of floods it is not always possible to guarantee that the supply of drinking water is adequate.
García has recommended that children avoid playing in areas near garbage dumps or with large debris, as they are areas of “pest accumulation and development of diseases” transmitted by both mosquitoes and rodents.
The humidity and fungi in houses They also represent a risk factor, which can increase respiratory symptoms such as rhinitis, pharyngitis, conjunctivitis, asthma or bronchitis, which is added to the overcrowding that can occur during the first days, which can increase the risks of outbreaks of “microepidemics.”
During the second stage, which lasts from the first weeks to a few months, minors face infections or elements of chronicitywhile the latter are the most prevalent after six months.
The specialist has stated that “for weeks or months” there will be polluting particles in the southern area of Valencia, so it is necessary to use masks to avoid respiratory problems.
“In this chemical contamination, also keep in mind that these days they are using generators or motor pumps, (…) it is very important to convey to the audience that these motor pumps, those generators that use diesel or gasoline, They have to be outside, 10 or 15 meters from the homedue to carbon monoxide poisoning, there have already been episodes,” he added.
García has also predicted a growth in chronic diseases after six months, both at the gastrointestinal and respiratory levels, and even conditions such as myocardial infarction or related to mental health.
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