DOH warns microabrasions can be entry points for leptospirosis-causing bacteria

The Department of Health on Monday warned that leptospirosis-causing bacteria could enter even in micro-abrasions on skin. 

“Medyo tuso ang mikrobiyo natin sa leptospirosis. Hindi ‘yan naghahanap na kailangan may sugat na nakikita. Yung nakikita natin bilang tao na sugat, baka mamaya akala natin wala, ayun pala may mga tinatawag na micro-abrasions; sa Tagalog, mga maliliit po na gasgas,” said DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon. 

(The microbe causing leptospirosis is sly. It does not only enter through visible wounds. We may think that there’s no wound at all, but there could be micro-abrasions or small scratches.) 

Leptospirosis is one of the weather-induced diseases being monitored by the department this rainy season, alongside influenza-like illnesses, dengue, and waterborne diseases. 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals such as rodents. Urine from infected rats could mix with floodwater during heavy rains, and could therefore enter the human body of people wading through floods, the DOH noted. 

“Ang baha po kasi para siyang inidoro ng mga daga ‘yan, nandoon lahat ng ihi nila na pinagkukunan ng mikrobyo. Kaya kumonsulta tayo kapag nadaplisan tayo ng baha,” said Domingo. 

(Floodwaters are like the toiler for rats, because their urine is mixed within there.  So always get consulted when we get in floodwater.) 

Other entry points for the bacteria causing leptospirosis are the eyes and the mouth. 

Symptoms for leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain and headaches. But in severe cases, patients may experience yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, and low urine output.

The DOH has emphasized to always wash the body with soap and water once exposed to floodwaters and immediately see a doctor for prescription of prophylaxis. 

The health department earlier renewed warning against a possible surge in cases of dengue, leptospirosis, and waterborne diseases, as persistent rains and flooding continue in many parts of the country.

The department also advised the public to take extra precautionary measures such as boiling drinking water for two-minutes to prevent being hit with waterborne diseases.

Meanwhile, washing of hands and wearing of face masks if symptoms persist are highly advisable to prevent the spread of flu-like sickness. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/LA, GMA Integrated News