DOH warning: Watch out for leptospirosis this rainy season
With the onset of rainy season, the occurrence of flood is inevitable.
With this, the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development 6 (CHD 6) has warned the public to be on guard against water-borne diseases particularly leptospirosis.
A health advisory prepared by the DOH -CHD 6 said leptospirosis is a disease caused by a Leptospira bacteria present in floodwater contaminated with waste of an infected pest especially rats. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days.
Its signs and symptoms include fever, calf muscle pain, headache, and reddish eyes for some cases. However, according to the advisory, in severe cases, there may be liver or brain involvement and kidney failure. Thus some patients may have yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine and light stools, low urine output and severe headache.
Leptospirosis can be transmitted through the entry of leptospira bacteria in the wounds, abraded skin or mucous membrane which come in contact with floodwater vegetation, and moist soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
The disease can be treated with antibiotics duly prescribed by a physician but early recognition and treatment of the disease prevents complications. When exposed, the public is advised to have an early consultation with a health worker.
Leptospirosis can be prevented and controlled by observing the following:
Avoiding swimming or wading in suspected contaminated water especially when you have wounds.
Use of proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to suspected contaminated water.
Drain suspected contaminated water as possible.
Control rats in the household by using rat traps or poison, and maintain cleanliness in the house and the environment.
(PIA)