As the risk of leptospirosis looms with the rains, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, August 22, reminded the public to stay away from floodwaters.

“Paalala po sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan, ngayong lumalakas muli ang ulan at may banta ng pagbaha. Hanggat kakayanin ay iwasan ang tubig baha. Marumi ito at siyang pinanggagalingan ng sakit na leptospirosis (We remind everyone, now that rains are intensifying and floods are threatening, avoid floodwaters as much as possible. They are dirty and are the source of leptospirosis),” DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said.

He stressed that children should never be allowed to wade or play in floodwaters.

“Bawalan at pigilan ang mga bata sa paglaro sa baha. Kung napalusong, may simptomas man o wala, hugasan ng malinis na tubig at sabon ang katawang nadikit sa baha (Stop and prevent children from playing in floodwaters. If exposed, with or without symptoms, wash the body parts that touched the water with clean water and soap),” he said.

“Kumonsulta sa health center o kaya sa mga lepto-fast lane ng mga DOH hospitals para maresetahan ng prophylaxis o gamot (Consult a health center or the lepto-fast lanes in DOH hospitals to get prophylaxis or medicine),” he added.

Domingo reminded the public that leptospirosis can be prevented if floods are avoided altogether.

“Tandaan, pag walang baha, walang lepto. Iwasan natin ito (Remember, if there’s no flooding, there’s no lepto. Let’s avoid it),” he said.

DOH data showed that a total of 2,396 leptospirosis cases were logged nationwide from June 8 to August 7.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), leptospirosis is contracted through exposure to urine of infected animals or contaminated environments, which can enter the body through wounds or mucous membranes. 

It cautioned that without treatment, the illness may cause kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory problems, and death.