Floods in Spain: to avoid infections and the spread of deadly diseases, the country faces a major health challenge

“As the days pass, the mud dries and the smell intensifies. We distribute masks to everyone who comes to help,” says Carlos, a volunteer in Picanya, speaking to BFM. Health risk experts warn of the possible proliferation of microorganisms, disease-carrying mosquitoes and rodents carrying bacteria such as leptospirosis. Pathologies such as bacterial gastroenteritis, hepatitis A or even skin and eye infections could develop if preventive measures are not quickly put in place.

Deadly floods in Spain: a couple of Belgian restaurateurs mobilize for the victims

Faced with this critical situation, the Spanish health authorities are called upon to act quickly. José María Martín-Moreno, professor of preventive medicine at the University of Valencia, highlights the importance of ensuring access to safe drinking water, treating stagnant water and monitoring the possible emergence of epidemics. “The key to avoiding a public health crisis lies in the speed of interventions,” he says. Meanwhile, residents and volunteers are working to clean up the affected areas, equipped with masks, gloves and boots, hoping to prevent another tragedy at the heart of the disaster.