VIRGINIA, USA — Virginia residents are being advised to avoid natural bodies of water after Helene.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued an advisory Monday telling commonwealth residents to be careful around water in the wake of the storm. Heavy rainfall and flooding can bring dangerous debris from the land and untreated wastewater from sewage into rivers, lakes and streams, VDH says.
These bodies of water are often used for recreation, but VDH says right now, that could pose a health risk.
Here’s how to keep yourself safe, according to VDH:
Avoid swimming in natural waterways for three days after heavy rain.
Don’t swallow untreated water.
Don’t swim if you have cuts or open wounds.
Shower or bathe to wash off possible germs and contaminants after swimming. Wash your hands after swimming and before preparing and eating food.
Before swimming, check the water and the area around it. If there is a green film on the water or it is cloudier than usual, or you see storm drains or livestock nearby, avoid swimming.
If you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, avoid swimming.
Don’t swim anywhere that the water is discolored or has a foul or chemical odor, or if there are dead or dying fish.
If you’re planning on eating fish caught from natural waters, remove the skin from filets and dispose of internal organs and viscera. Make sure to cook the filets to the proper temperature. Clean knives and cutting boards with soapy water. You can see Virginia’s fish consumption advisories here.
If you know your body’s ability to fight germs is impacted by other health problems or medications, check with your healthcare provider before swimming in natural bodies of water such as oceans, lakes, rivers and more.