The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against leptospirosis amid the threat of Super Typhoon Karding.
“Protektahan ang ating sarili laban sa sakit na leptospirosis (Protect yourselves against leptospirosis),” the DOH said in a social media post on Sunday, Sept. 25.
Leptospirosis is “a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira spirochetes bacteria that is spread through the urine of infected animals, especially rats,” the DOH said.
Its modes of transmission include wading in contaminated floodwater or ingesting contaminated food or water, the DOH said.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, muscle pain, eye redness, chills, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, or yellowish skin discoloration.
The DOH advised the public to avoid wading in floodwater. If it cannot be avoided, wear boots and clean your feet using soap and water.
It also urged the public to visit the nearest health center if they developed symptoms of leptospirosis. It advised the public to never do self-medication.
“Agad na kumonsulta sa doctor para mabigyan ng reseta para sa gamot kontra leptospirosis (Immediately consult a doctor to be given a prescription for medicine against leptospirosis),” the DOH said.
“Tandaan, kailangan ng reseta bago makakuha ng doxycycline at ‘wag basta-bastang uminon ng antibiotics (Remember, you need a prescription before getting doxycycline and don't just take antibiotics on your own),” it added.
Authorities warned the public to take extra precaution as Super Typhoon Karding is expected to make landfall in Quezon province on Sunday evening. It is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol region.