'The Healthy Juan' shares tips in preventing leptospirosis
With the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health (DOH) continues to warn the public about wading through a flood, especially those with cuts and abrasions on their skin as they are prone to infections, including leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a relatively rare bacterial infection that affects both people and animals that can enter through open wounds, the eyes, or the nose.
This typically happens when an unhealed break in the skin comes in contact with soil or water where animal urine is present.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection / Source: medicalnewstoday.com
But did you know that leptospirosis is more common in tropical areas like the Philippines?
The World Health Organization (WHO) tallies that the virus affects 10 or more people every 100,000 each year and that people traveling to tropical areas have a greater risk of exposure.
Furthermore, it is not only present in rodents but also other animals like goats, sheep, and cows.
This was attested by Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo, MPH, CESO IV, Director IV of the DOH who tells The Healthy Juan, “Ito ay tinatawag nating type of 'zoonotic disease.'
“Kapag sinasabing zoonotic, ito ay naisasalin magmula sa hayop patungo sa mga tao.
“'Pag bumabaha, maari tayong magkaroon ng leptospirosis kung kontimado ang tubig baha, lalo na sa mga lugar kung saan naroon ang mga magsasaka natin, dahil doon din ay mayroong mga hayop tulad ng mga daga, kalabaw, kambing, na baka maari ring infected ng Leptospira virus.”
Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo, MPH, CESO IV, Director IV of the Department of Health / Source: GMA Public Affairs (YouTube)
If a person is infected by the bacteria, the signs and symptoms usually appear about 5 to 14 days after infection.
However, the incubation period can range from 2 to 30 days.
The first symptoms of leptospirosis include the following:
- Fever and chills
- Coughing
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or both
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Irritated eyes
Dr. Jeffrey Roxas, RMT, M.D., FPSGS, DMAS, OIC of the Municipal Health Office / Source: GMA Public Affairs (YouTube)
According to Dr. Jeffrey Roxas, RMT, M.D., FPSGS, DMAS, OIC of the Municipal Health Office, mild cases of leptospirosis is often treated with the use of antibiotics such as prophylaxis.
He explains, “Sa phase one kasi, makikita mo dito 'yung generalized symptoms ng isang pasyente gaya ng inuubo, masakit ang ulo, nilalagnat, masakit ang kasu-kasuan, at nanghihina.”
“Ang example ng gamot na ibinibigay namin ay prophylaxis tuwing nalusong sila sa baha at maaring mayroon bacteria na leptospirosis.”
For more severe cases, symptoms often depend on which vital organs are involved and can lead to kidney or liver failure, which can be fatal.
Dr. Arevalo adds, “Ito 'yung mga komplikasyon kung saan maapektuhan na ang ating mga bato, atay, kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng paninilaw ng balat, mata, at maaring magkaroon ng renal failure.
“So 'yung naapektuhan ng ating mga bato.”
How to prevent leptospirosis / Source: World Health Organization
Several measures can help to reduce the risk of getting leptospirosis, and it starts within ourselves and our surroundings.
One way, of course, is to ensure the cleanliness of your surroundings to prevent rodents and other diseases to thrive.
As advised by Dr. Arevalo, “Tingnan natin 'yung ating pinagtatapunan ng ating basura sapagkat ang mga daga na karaniwan na nai-infect ng Leptospira ay pumupunta sa mga lugar na mayroon silang makakain.
“Pero kung ito ay nai-dispose ng maayos, maaring hindi dumami o pumunta ang rodents sa areas na ito kasi wala silang makakain kaya maari nating maiwasan.”
Secondly, he recommends farm owners to educate themselves in proper waste management, protection, and disinfection to prevent the bacteria from spreading.
“Sa pag-aalaga sa mga hayop, 'di natin maiiwasan na doon sila dumudumi o nagkakalat ang kanilang mga dumi.
“So kailangan lang magkaroon tayo ng awareness na mayroon tayong ginagamit pamproteksyon laban dito.”
The third is to wear boots, a raincoat, and gloves when commuting during a typhoon and never forget to wash your feet with soap and clean water upon arriving at your desired location.
And of course, if symptoms arise, it's best to consult with your doctor immediately to prevent further complications.
“Kung mayroon kayong mga sintomas, kailangan hindi lang self-care ang ginagawa. Kailangan sumangguni sa pinakamalapit na health center,” Dr. Arevalo concludes.
Here are more preventive tips to keep you healthy during the rainy season courtesy of The Healthy Juan:
The Healthy Juan: The 4S strategy in preventing dengue fever
'The Healthy Juan's' guide to clean, healthy, drinking water