The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) once again reminded the public of the dangers of leptospirosis after the country experienced torrential rains and flooding brought by typhoon Karding.

"Wala na si Super Typhoon #KardingPH, ngunit ang banta ng #Leptospirosis ay narito pa rin! Kaya naman, pinapaalalahanan ang lahat na mag-ingat sa dulot na sakit nito (Super typhoon Karding is gone but the dangers of leptospirosis is still here. With that, we are reminding everyone to take extra caution on this disease)," said PRC.

To prevent contracting leptospirosis, PRC said in a Facebook post that the public should refrain from exposing any open wounds to flood water, always use protective gear like gloves and boots if contact with flood water is unavoidable, terminate rats, and maintain a clean environment.
Leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria called Leptospira, said PRC.
It enters the body through an open wound exposed to contaminated water and even through eating crops whose soil was exposed to the bacteria.
Leptospirosis symptoms include high fever, eye redness, stomachache, joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, yellowish skin, rashes, and headache, PRC said.