Jakarta – A quagmire every time it rains

Jakarta – A quagmire every time it rains

By Dr Madan M Vasandani

            January is a precarious month of the year if you are living in Jakarta. The peak of the rainy season in 2012 is predicted to be in the month of January. Like the previous rainy seasons in Jakarta, it brings with it the floods, traffic jams and not forgetting the diseases. The floods that hit Jakarta 5 years back brought with it an insurgence in the number of Hepatitis A, Typhoid, tetanus and Cholera cases. This should be a lesson for all of us and it should lead to a question of whether you are prepared for this years floods. Looking at the ever deepening puddle in front of my apartment after a drizzle tells me that the Jakarta government is not ready for this years impending doom. 

            Since we Jakartans cannot do much to calm the storm, the least we can do is to protect ourselves from illnesses that can be an epidemic when it floods. These illnesses include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Cholera. The vaccines for these diseases are available and they are very effective and carry almost no side effects. The other conditions that can be due to the rain and flooding are water borne illnesses like Gastroenteritis and Vector borne illnesses like Dengue fever. Make sure you do all you can to prevent yourself from getting sick. Here are some suggestions

• Whatever you eat should be steam hot.
• Whatever you drink is either bottled water or from a dispenser.
• Watch out for those dodgy looking ice-drinks at the streets or even in restaurants. If you like your drink to be cold, ask for a cold preparation and ensure no ice in your glass.
•  The vegetables that you eat should be properly cleaned.   
• A common condition during flooding which is underestimated is leptospirosis. This is a bacterial infection that can affect anyone who is exposed to contaminated waters. The symptoms of this disease include flu like symptoms, eye pain especially to bright light, fever and chills. This disease can lead to severe complications if not treated early. Ensure you meet your physician if you are having these symptoms.
• Get Vaccinated against the Flu

The common adage “Carry an umbrella before it rains” is very proper for this season. Make sure your experience during this years rainy season is remembered only for the good things. You cannot prevent the rain or the floods but you can prevent yourself and your family from getting sick. Keep safe!!

If you would like to get vaccinated for the above conditions or if the rains have affected your health, call Centrepoint Healthcare at 5706208 for an appointment.