EDINBURGH, Ind. -- Floodwaters across Indiana are receding, but they're leaving behind filth that can make people sick.

"We do ask people not to begin the recovery until the waters have receded, so ideally you just don't go into the flood waters if you can help," said Dr. Judy Monroe, Indiana Health commissioner.

Like many flood victims, Sue Piercefield was anxious Monday to clean up and dry out her home.

"The last two days, we've done nothing but pump water, pump water, pump water," Piercefield told 6News Staying Healthy reporter Stacia Matthews.

Slime covers Piercefield's floors, and murky water soaks the basement of her more than 100-year-old home.

"Everything's in my basement," she said, including a well that provides drinking water.

Piercefield had the well pumped over the weekend, but it filled again with contaminated flood water.

Any well in a flooded area should be considered contaminated, as should mattresses and porous materials, Matthews reported. They should be thrown away to avoid mold. Over time, mold can be released into the air and trigger allergies and asthma.

Use a bleach solution on hard surfaces and allow to air dry, and don't work in bare feet or wear flip flops like Sue. She wasn't wearing gloves either.

"I've got hand sanitizer in there. Every time I come out with the hoses and things, I'm washing my hands," she said.

Sanitizer and frequent hand washing helps, but wearing gloves is even better. They can protect against cuts.

"I've got a few on my arm, on my hand," said Piercefield. "That was during the clean up. My husband has more than me."

Although small, the scrapes are big enough to for E-coli and tetanus to enter the body. Monroe said anyone who is injured while cleaning in flood water should get a tetanus shot.

"We're trying to take care of that as soon as things calm down here," said Piercefield.

Health officials also want Hoosiers to know of another heath threat. Standing water is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

The last flood in Indiana resulted in the highest number of West Nile virus cases. Empty any container holding water. Keep grass cut short and shrubs trimmed, and don't forget to apply insect repellent when outdoors.