Amid widespread flooding caused by “Carina” and the southwest monsoon, the Department of Health (DOH) emphasized on Wednesday, July 24, the importance of seeking medical attention promptly for people exposed to floodwaters.

Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, in a statement, said it is better to avoid floods and mud to prevent leptospirosis.

“Sa mga kailangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos” (For those who need to wade through, use knee-high boots. Immediately wash your body with clean water and soap afterward),” Herbosa said.

“Kumonsulta agad sa doktor, wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas” (Consult a doctor immediately; do not be complacent as symptoms can take time to appear),” he added.

Understanding leptospirosis

DOH explained that leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by many animals, such as rodents and other vermin.

Waste products, such as urine and feces of an infected animal, especially rats, contaminate the soil, water, and vegetation.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, affecting both animals and humans, caused by the Leptospira bacterium found in contaminated water or soil.

“Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, or the eyes, nose, and mouth. Infected animal urine, like that from infected rats, can mix with floodwater and come into contact with people wading through or playing in it,” DOH said.

Seeking early treatment

DOH warned that without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, trouble breathing, and even death.

“People must consult doctors immediately after being exposed to (wading or playing in) floodwaters as there is a preventive antibiotic prescription,” DOH said.

Symptoms of leptospirosis may include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache.
“Some cases have distinct pain in the calf muscles and reddish eyes,” DOH said. Severe cases may also present with jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache.

“Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases; some people have no symptoms,” DOH warned.

DOH noted that it generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis.

Meanwhile, DOH announced that teleconsultation is free through Hotline Number 1552 of the National Patient Navigation & Referral Center.

Aside from those who waded through potentially contaminated water, mud, or soil (such as floods, fields, plantations, nests, canals, streams, lakes, rivers), individuals who consumed food or drink that may have been contaminated by sick animals or who have any symptoms after exposure to rain or contaminated water should seek early consultation and treatment at the nearest health facility.

RELATED STORY: 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/24/doh-leptospirosis-cases-up-in-7-regions-13-deaths-reported-1