HEALTH WORRIES ARISE AS RIVER FALLS; COMMON SENSE CLEANUP IS IMPORTANT IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE FLOOD; TETANUS VACCINATION IS CONSIDERED ESSENTIAL

As the Mississippi River falls to within its banks, tensions and the chance for illness rise as people try to move back into their homes and begin the cleanup.

"Of course getting their tetanus is important," said Mary Burton of the American Red Cross. "People who got the vaccination in '93 should be good for ten years."

Jane Wernsman, a nursing supervisor with the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Department, agreed. She said although having a current tetanus vaccination is important, it doesn't totally prevent people from becoming ill.

"It can give a false sense of security," she said. "People think it protects you from everything under the sun, and it doesn't. It helps to prevent infection from cuts or scrapes or other injury, but it doesn't protect you from everything out there."

Tetanus shots are available free from the public health department, 1121 Linden, during regular business hours.

Wernsman said common sense cleanup is important in the aftermath of the flood because germs can cause health concerns.

In response to those health concerns, the Cape Girardeau American Red Cross chapter is offering cleaning supplies free to flood victims.

Also concerning county health officials is private wells and water sources that might have become contaminated when the river left its banks.

Officials said if a well has been flooded, the water should be tested before using it. Bacteria and other contaminants could easily taint the well during the flooding, causing illness and other problems long after the floodwaters have receded.

For information on testing wells, Wernsman suggested contacting a sanitarian at the county public health department.

And not only do flood victims and others have to worry about the physical illnesses from the flood's aftermath, mental problems can be just as cumbersome.

According to the Community Counseling Center of Cape Girardeau, the people of South Florida saw a 30 percent increase in the divorce rate, a sharp increase in child and spouse abuse and a ninefold climb in the suicide rate in the wake of Hurricane Andrew.

Mental professionals fear those types of statistics during the aftermath of any natural disaster affecting a community.

Community Counseling Center suggests "knowing the signs of trouble and where to get free help." Community Counseling Center is offering support and counseling at no charge to flood victims at their Cape Girardeau, Perryville and Ste. Genevieve offices.

According to the Red Cross, some responses will be exhibited by flood victims including a change in appetite and digestive problems, difficulty sleeping, headaches, anger, apathy, depression, frustration, a feeling of powerlessness, increased effects of allergies, colds and flu, moodiness, anxiety and isolation.

If disaster responses are severe, the Red Cross encourages flood victims to seek professional help.

AFTER THE CREST...

Flood assistance and resource numbers:

University of Missouri:

*Assistance line for flood-related engineering problems: (314) 882-9536

*Information on food and water safety, home and farm cleanup and disaster recovery: (314) 262-4484

*ParentLink Information Line for information on how to help children cope: (800) 433-3704

Other numbers:

*Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster information: (800) 858-6918

*Missouri Attorney General's Office Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 392-8222

*Missouri Department of Agriculture's information on dead animal disposal: (800) 347-1178

*Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center: (314) 335-7846

Some numbers compiled by the University Extension, University of Missouri and Lincoln University.