Texas Doctor Warns of Post-Flood Risks in Guadalupe River

It’s been more than a week since floodwaters swallowed parts of Central Texas, killing more than 130 people and leaving 160 still missing.

Fueled by moisture from two lingering tropical systems, heavy rainfall triggered widespread flash flooding, causing the Guadalupe River to surge more than 30 feet in just a few hours. Among the hardest-hit areas were a camping and RV site and Camp Mystic — an all-girls summer camp where dozens of young campers and one counselor lost their lives.

Recovery and cleanup efforts have been underway ever since, pausing only once in the past 11 days when another round of heavy rain swept through the region.

But for those who remain near the riverbanks, the sense of danger lingers — not in the roar of rushing water, but in the quiet threats that follow.

Medical officer warns of post-flood risks in the Guadalupe

As cleanup continues along the Guadalupe River, local health officials are urging caution for volunteers and first responders working in and around the flood zone.

During a livestreamed roundtable with the Kerr County Lead, Dr. Chris Glanton — Chief Medical Officer at Peterson Health in Kerrville — said the hospital initially saw a wave of trauma-related injuries in the days following the flood. Many patients came in with abrasions, open wounds and other injuries caused by sharp or unstable debris.

But now, he said, the focus is shifting.

Between four days and four weeks after a major flood, skin infections become more common — and often more serious.

With bacteria lingering in the water and debris still scattered across the landscape, even a small scratch can turn dangerous, he said. Floodwaters may also carry a mix of organic material, including sewage and natural waste, which can fuel bacterial growth in cuts and open wounds.

Glanton noted that some wounds have been so contaminated they must be thoroughly cleaned and left open to heal properly. In addition to wound-related infections, the hospital has treated people pulled from the river who later developed respiratory complications such as aspiration or pneumonia.

"There could be multi-drug-resistant bacteria because of the camp-contaminated nature of the water that's coming downstream with disruptions to the sewer system," he told the Kerr County Lead on Monday morning.

The medical officer said he is also wary of anaerobic infections, though most illnesses are caused by familiar culprits like staph and strep.

As the river’s flow begins to slow in some areas, bacteria can settle and thrive in stagnant or slow-moving water, particularly near dams or other structures where the current remains steady.

Glanton's message to those helping in the region: take precautions. That includes knowing your tetanus status — and getting a booster shot if you’re not sure.

Has the Guadalupe River reopened?

Recreational access to the Guadalupe River — and its tributary, the Comal River — has resumed in areas like New Braunfels and Canyon Lake. City officials report that day-use zones are open, boat ramps have reopened, and crews have cleared much of the visible debris.

However, despite parts of the river officially reopening, experts strongly caution against swimming or tubing for now. The water still presents several risks, including submerged and unstable debris, bacterial contamination and fluctuating flow conditions.

Recovery efforts are ongoing, with first responders continuing the search for dozens of missing people.

“We understand the river is a major reason folks come to visit — but for now, we’re still not encouraging recreation in the river or along its banks,” the Guadalupe River State Park posted on Facebook. “Recent flooding has reshaped the landscape, and hidden dangers — like unstable banks and submerged debris — remain a real risk. Please avoid areas marked as off-limits. Keeping you safe is our number one priority.”

Most debris can typically be cleared within six weeks of flooding, but Kerr County officials reported "millions of cubic yards" of debris after the Fourth of July catastrophe, according to MySA.com. Continued rainfall over several days may further delay cleanup efforts.

Bacterial levels may take several months to subside, depending on river flow and temperatures, according to the National Park Service. Meanwhile, full ecosystem recovery from a flood of this scale can take years.