Flood victim warns others of risks
Photo
John Powers and Jenny Pearson fill out forms with the help of Geri Roberts at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Janesville. The rising Rock River forced Powers and Pearson from their home almost a month ago.
JANESVILLE — John Powers knows the danger of sewage water.
He had part of his foot amputated Wednesday.
“It’s kind of a warning for anyone else who thinks they’re going to be able to get into their (flooded) house and clean on their own,” he said.
Powers’ health problems started in September 2003 when the city sewage system backed up into his Milton home. He hired professional cleaners but started himself by hauling wet rugs and carpet outside to dry without wearing a facemask.
“They (doctors) feel that when I carried those rugs out and tossed them out on the driveway, I ingested or inhaled the spores from the bacteria,” he said. “And that’s how they got into my system.”
A few weeks later, the vision in Powers’ left eye went foggy, the start of a potentially deadly infection. Tests, including an MRI, indicated he’d have six weeks to live if he didn’t have surgery. Several procedures and hospital time ensued.
Fast-forward to a few weeks ago when Powers ended up back in the hospital, where an MRI showed a bone infection stretching from his toe up his leg. Doctors think it stemmed from the earlier infection, Powers said.
“It is basically all related,” he said. “It’s tough to pinpoint because the bacteria can go dormant.”
And this summer’s flooding has made matters worse.
Powers and his fiancée, Jenny Pearson, are facing the possible loss of their home in the Mole & Sadler’s subdivision, which has been submerged in contaminated floodwater for more than a month.
The former owner is their friend, and they had helped him do an “extreme home makeover” on the Joseph Street home after he was diagnosed with cancer. They later bought the home and moved in two years ago.
City officials likely will tour Powers and Pearson’s home later this week to determine if it will need to be torn down, Powers said.
Despite the challenges Powers is facing, he wants homeowners to be aware of the bacterial dangers lurking in what’s left of flooded homes.
“Let the professionals do it,” he said. “You think you’re saving a dollar, but a (considerable medical bill) later, it wasn’t worth it.”
Dr. Joseph Schurhammer of the Rock County Health Department said water tests along the Rock River still show bacteria, though they’ve been below beach-closing standards.
Standing water is where you’ll find the highest levels of bacteria, including E. coli, he said.
People working on flood cleanup should have a current tetanus shot and see a doctor if any floodwater is swallowed or contaminates open wounds.
No serious flood-related illnesses have been reported in the area, he said.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.