MEDICAL SOCIETY OF MILWAUKEE COUNTY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Beware of Storm Water Health Risks

Public may not be aware of contaminated water dangers

Milwaukee (June 8, 2004) -"Make sure you and your children take precautions when coming in contact with all storm water," says the Medical Society of Milwaukee County's G. Richard Olds, MD, member of the MSMC Public Health Committee and Professor and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin. This warning includes basement standing water or floodwaters on the street. "Rural flood waters can also contain bacteria from septic tanks that have leaked," adds Dr. Olds. Anytime you come in contact with possibly contaminated floodwaters, shower immediately with an antibacterial scrub. Be especially careful if you have cuts or breaks in your skin that are exposed to contaminated water, particularly penetrating injuries e.g., stepping on a submerged nail in a flooded basement, should be seen by a physician.

Consumers are frequently unfamiliar with possible contaminants from floodwaters. Physicians should also be aware of the potential health risks associated with exposure to contaminated waters and ask their patients about possible exposure incidents. Especially vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or very young, should be screened about their possible contact with such waters.

"Check with the Milwaukee Health Department or other local health departments before using Lake Michigan or other lake beaches," advises David C. Olson, MD, President of the MSMC. "Contaminants from sewage water can be found in your basements, in the streets or lakes after heavy rains," said Dr. Olson. Information about the health of many beaches can be found at www.beaches.us. Physicians can visit www.waterhealthconnection.org a Web site of the American College of Preventive Medicine. This physician on-line reference guide provides a repository of educational information and preparedness resources for practicing physicians.

The Medical Society of Milwaukee County, established in 1846, represents approximately 1500 member physicians and their patients. The purpose of MSMC is to provide leadership responsive to the needs of its members and the patients they serve. MSMC collaborates with others to improve the community's health by maintaining the highest possible standards in the practice of medicine.