THE Department of Health (DOH) has warned those who have waded in floodwaters to watch out for signs and symptoms of leptospirosis and that the disease should not be taken lightly.
In an advisory, Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial said those who think they have the disease should bring themselves in for a checkup at a health facility.
The DOH said, “Leptospirosis is an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine [usually rats], and comes in contact with lesion[s] in the skin, eyes or with the mucous membranes.”
Signs and symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, chills and intense headache. They appear four to 14 days after exposure to contaminated flood waters or even mud. These may be accompanied by red eyes, jaundice, tea-colored urine and difficulty of urination.
In extreme cases, complications like meningitis, renal failure and respiratory distress may arise and lead to death.
The DOH added early treatment with antibiotics in the hospital is known to prevent fatal complications.
It is also possible to prevent illness with preventive intake of antibiotics among those who are continually exposed and who are still asymptomatic.
High-risk individuals, the DOH said, include men because of their constant exposure to contaminated flood waters.
Wearing protective gear, such as boots, or even wearing long pants can reduce the risk from exposure. The bacteria usually find their way through abraded skin or even just minor cuts.