Warning up vs. Leptospirosis as rainy season starts

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is advising the public to continue maintaining cleanliness in their environment especially in observing proper  garbage disposal as the onset of the rainy season bring constant flooding that may contribute to the  rise of cases of many water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis.

“ If the environment is clean, the presence of rats and other rodents in the place is also eliminated, so the risk of getting infected by leptospirosis is also diminished”, said Provincial Health Officer –in Charge  Dr.Patricia Grace Trabado.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. Outbreak of the disease is usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with urine of infected animals such as rats and rodents.

Humans become infected by leptospirosis through contact with water, food or  soil containing urine from these infected animals. This may happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin.

The record of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed that since January of this year there is only one confirmed case of leptospirosis in the province that came from the municipality of Oton. No fatality has been recorded.  

Iloilo City Health Office Medical Officer IV Dr. Mae Delmo said that they have no recorded case of the disease in the City of Iloilo. She said the City Health Office only accept out-patient cases such as fever or other minor ailments and leptospirosis is confirmed by laboratory testing of a blood or urine sample.

In humans, the disease causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all. Its symptoms include fever, headache, chills, muscle-aches, and vomiting, and may include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, dirrhea, or a rash. If the disease is not treated, the patient could develop kidney damage, meningities (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure and respiratory distress. The illness lasts from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Without treatment, recovery may take several months.

Leptospirosis, Dr. Trabado said, can be prevented by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine. Protective clothing or footwear or boots should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities. After wading in the flood and flu-like symptom is felt, it is advised to have a check-up for early management. (PIA)