The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a health advisory for areas of the state that may experience flooding due to recent rains. KMUW's Aileen LeBlanc reports.
There are physical dangers with high-stream flows and flooding, but there are also possible problems with illness caused by contact with the high waters. KDHE warns the public that pathogens may exist in flooded areas due to surface runoff as well as to water treatment systems being infiltrated with flood waters. Pathogens can then be carried out and moved downstream.
Potential for illness is measured by the presence of indicator bacterium E. coli. Illnesses can manifest as skin, ear, eye, respiratory and wound infections, and diarrhea.
Kansans are advised to stay away from high-flowing waters and to restrict pets and livestock from the areas as well.
For more information regarding flooding, visit KDHE's disaster recover page.
You can read the full advisory below:
This piece originally aired on June 12, 2015, on All Things Considered.
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