We are all very much familiar to flooding. And as most of us already know, flooding is caused by the rise of water due to clogging of waste materials and poor drainage system usually occurring during the rainy season. Did you know that it’s also during this season that Leptospirosis cases surface?
Wait, what is Leptospirosis anyway?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. It is caused by the bacteria “Leptospira,” which spreads through the urine of infected animals. Human can be infected through direct contact with urine; and water, soil, and food contaminated with urine of infected animals.
Infected human may have wide range of symptoms including:
- High fever
- Muscle aches
- Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain
Take note, however, that many of these symptoms can be mistakenly accounted to other diseases and some infected persons may have no symptoms at all.
Leptospirosis is treated with prescribed antibiotics. You can prevent Leptospirosis using the following measures:
- Avoid exposure to urine of infected animals
- Do not immerse feet in flood water mostly when you have open wound
- Wear protective clothing and foot wear
Leptospirosis isn’t something you can take lightly. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death. So take the necessary precautions, inform your friends and loved ones, and always take care!
Jefferson Paolo Alegre is currently the Occupational Health & Safety Specialist and resident registered nurse of LIGHT.