Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in E. coli,Our Blog,Vibrio on July 7, 2025
As historic flooding makes its way across the Texas Hill Country and hurricane season upon us, it is a good time to discuss the less-talked-about dangers of bacteria in flood water.
Getting to safety is the paramount concern when it comes to flooding. However, there are additional things to consider when you get to safety.
What kind of bacteria may be lurking in flood water? What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Follow along as we dive into the topic of bacteria in flood water. The microscopic threat with big consequences!
Flood water can expose people to several types of harmful bacteria. Some bacteria in flood water may cause serious, even life-threatening illness. Bacteria like E. coli, Vibrio, and Clostridium tetani, among others.
When flood water rises, bacteria from human and animal waste can make their way into areas that don’t normally have them. Waste that contains E. coli bacteria. Accidental ingestion and contaminated water supply can become a big problem.
While some strains of E. coli are harmless, some can cause serious infections with potentially deadly complications.
Escherichia coli, more commonly referred to as E. coli, is a group of bacteria with both harmful and harmless strains. Some of the more well-known harmful E. coli strains include Shiga toxin-producing STEC O157:H7 and 026:H11.
Common symptoms of E. coli infections include:
Call your doctor if you have diarrhea or vomiting that lasts for more than two days, have bloody poop or pee, fever higher than 102° F, signs of dehydration, or signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, can be triggered by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections. If bacteria make their way into the bloodstream, the toxins can damage blood cells. These fragments can clog the filtering activities in the kidneys.
This can lead to organ failure, permanent health problems, or even death.
Signs of HUS include:
About 5 to 10% of those infected with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli develop HUS, with children and the elderly more susceptible to complications.
People with HUS require hospitalization to monitor their kidneys and for other complications.
While most people recover within a few weeks with prompt medical care, others may suffer more permanent damage or even death from HUS related complications.
Vibrio is a type of bacteria commonly found in ocean water during warm months of the year. When flood waters mix with ocean water, these bacteria can make their way into unexpected areas.
Symptoms of Vibrio infections vary depending on how the body is exposed.
If ingested, symptoms may include:
If a wound is exposed, symptoms may include:
In addition to E. coli and Vibrio, any number of harmful microbes can be floating around in flood water.
Microscopic germs like Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, and more.
These harmful bacteria can cause serious digestive illness and life-threatening complications if they are accidentally ingested.
This can happen by consuming something contaminated with flood water. Or even by eating, drinking, or touching your mouth after coming into contact with flood water.
The infection caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, often referred to as tetanus, is another flood water risk.
The toxin produced by the bacteria inhibits neurotransmitter release in the brain stem and spinal cord. Symptoms of tetanus can appear as much as 21 days after exposure.
Common tetanus symptoms include:
In addition to the more common symptoms, tetanus infections may develop into other life-threatening complications.
Most tetanus-related deaths are attributed to a compromised respiratory system from obstructed airways and aspiration. Some people with respiratory symptoms associated with tetanus may also stop breathing.
Other complications include:
In addition to harmful bacteria in flood water that can cause problems if ingested or exposed to cuts, scrapes, or wounds, other hazards may be found.
In some cases, flood water is unavoidable. You may also be faced with the unfortunate situation of being stuck in a place until you are rescued or can move to safety.
If possible, there are a few ways to minimize risk of illness from bacteria in flood water.
If you are not in imminent danger, and flood water is avoidable, keep away from it. It may be tempting to wade out to investigate the area. Or even play in the water.
If at all possible, avoid flood waters altogether. If you must enter the water, limit your time exposed.
Cover open wounds with waterproof bandages and wear protective clothing like rainboots or waders.
Avoid entering flood water if you are not vaccinated for tetanus.
Remove clothing as soon as possible after exposure to flood water. Disinfect clothing and other items exposed to flood water with bleach and water.
If possible, take a shower. At minimum, wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
Always wash your hands with clean, potable water prior to eating and be sure that drinking water is not contaminated. You may need to boil water prior to drinking it, as flooded areas may have compromised municipal water systems.
If you’d like to know more about food safety topics in the news, like “Bacteria in Flood Water. A Microscopic Threat with Big Consequences,” check out the Make Food Safe Blog. We regularly update trending topics, foodborne infections in the news, recalls, and more! Stay tuned for quality information to help keep your family safe, while The Lange Law Firm, PLLC strives to Make Food Safe!
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)