Heavy rains are back which means that floods are more common nowadays too.
With persistent rains and floods, Filipinos have an additional illness to watch out for aside from COVID-19: leptospirosis.
Here's what you need to know about leptospirosis and how you can prevent it:
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by leptospirosis bacteria and spreads through the urine of infected animals such as mice, rats, pigs, dogs, horses, cattle, and other rodents according to the Department of Health.
How does a person get leptospirosis?
Humans can get leptospirosis from wading in flood waters contaminated with the urine of infected animals. The bacteria can also enter through the skin if there are cuts or abrasions, or through the eyes, nose, or mouth.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
Common symptoms according to the DOH are:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle pains
- Skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Redness of eyes
- Jaundice or yellowish discoloration of the skin
How to prevent leptospirosis?
- Keep the environment clean and dispose of trash properly to avoid rat infestation.
- Use mouse traps or other pest control measures.
- Avoid wading or swimming in flood water.
- If there is a need to cross a flooded area, wear boots and always wash your feet after wading in the flood.