PH Red Cross warns public vs leptospirosis

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) released a warning on Tuesday, July 19, regarding the dangers of leptospirosis.

The floods brought by the rainy season can bring various diseases; one of those is leptospirosis, said PRC on its Facebook account.

It is a disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that may enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, and open wounds exposed to Leptospira-infected flood water, food, drinks, or object.

Leptospira is commonly found in infected rat urine as per PRC.

To be safe against leptospirosis, PRC advised to refrain from any contact with floodwaters especially if one has an open wound, use protective gear such as gloves and boots if contact with floodwaters is unavoidable, and maintain clean surroundings.

Some of the symptoms include high fever, redness of the eyes, stomach ache, diarrhea, joint pain, and vomiting.

The humanitarian organization encouraged the public to seek early consultation once any of the symptoms occurred.