Health alert issued over Hurricane Zone vehicles - ABRN (Automotive Body Repair News)

Dave's flooded truck.

Health alert issued over Hurricane Zone vehicles - ABRN (Automotive Body Repair News): "The normal symptoms of an infection should not last longer than five days, and a fever should be no higher than 103 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Vincent. “If the fever exceeds 103 degrees with chills, confusion or difficulty breathing, the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately.”

The victim in Mississippi, known to colleagues as “a fireman's fireman,” had more than 30 years of experience. At about 10 p.m. on a Monday, he scratched his finger on the car from which he was extricating a patient. He applied disinfectant and an adhesive bandage to the cut.

Tuesday morning he felt a little sick with flu-type symptoms. Wednesday he developed a rash on his back along with back pain. That afternoon he went to a doctor and received muscle relaxant and salve, being told to take it easy for a couple days. Thursday he felt a little drowsy, thinking it was from the medication. By Friday he was feeling better, going to the firehouse to catch up on paperwork. Saturday he collapsed at home and was rushed by ambulance to the hospital. He went into cardiac arrest in the emergency room but was brought back and scheduled for surgery Sunday morning. On Saturday afternoon he suffered another cardiac arrest and could not be revived."

For all of you out there currently considering purchasing a used car -- be extra vigilant. It is beyond me how our nasty flooded cars were allowed on the market immediately following Katrina -- but they're out there.