Experts warn of health risks posed by bacteria-filled floodwaters

Health experts are warning Queensland and New South Wales residents of the risks floodwaters pose to their health, as hundreds are forced to clear their flooded homes from mud and dangerous debris.

With clean-ups continuing across much of Queensland's south-east, experts warn floodwaters are rife with bacteria from run-off, soil, and sewage, and can trigger serious infections.

In the former Brisbane suburb of Rosalie, residents are among the many exposed to floodwaters while trying to clean up their homes.

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"It's pretty gross in there, lots of garbage, lots of dead animals," Rosalie resident Dave said.

Infectious disease expert Dr Paul Griffith said infections caused by the water can prove deadly if left untreated, warning that open wounds posed the biggest risk.

"We need people to be on the lookout for cuts and wounds. Take care to try and prevent those with keeping covered up," Dr Griffith said.

"Perhaps the most common type of infection we see after flooding is Cellulitis."

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Dr Griffith added protective gear like masks could also protect residents from developing illnesses like Legionnaire's disease, triggered by inhaling contaminated water droplets.

"If people are hosing and spraying things around, consider wearing a mask for germs like Legionella," he said.

In the Brisbane suburb of Yeronga, resident Julie is covering up as best as possible.

"Gloves, sunscreen, hats, and boots," she said.

"What they said last time was if you get a scratch clean it up straight away."

Dr Griffiths warned that murky floodwaters also pose other risks for injury, as it's often unclear what debris is concealed under the water.

Mosquito-borne illnesses could also increase due to the floods.

"Viruses that mosquitos can carry and we do see those go up after significant rain," Dr Griffiths said.