Daily Staff Writer

Mary Greeley Medical Center reported only one flood-related accident as of Monday night. Five people were taken to the hospital with carbon monoxide poisoning after attempting to pump water from a flooded basement.

The hospital did caution all people near flood water to beware of the risk of tetanus. Officials at the hospital said tetanus is caused by a bacterium called clostridium tetani, which is found in soil and dust. The flood water is dangerous because it picks up all types of dirt and even sewage as it flows through the streets, making it a prime spot for the bacteria.

Anyone with an open wound who has come in to contact with flood water is advised to get a tetanus shot within 72 hours of the contamination. Once the bacterium contaminates an open wound, it forms spores which produce a toxin.

Homeward Medical Center offers tetanus shots at their offices from 2-4 p.m. every day.

This toxin causes uncontrolled muscle spasms, which is particularly threatening to the respiratory system and can cause a person to stop breathing.