AMID torrential rains and flooding caused by typhoon “Egay,” the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday renewed its warning about the threat of leptospirosis.
The DOH has reported 225 fatalities from 2,079 leptospirosis cases reported nationwide from January 1 to July 15.
“If you have a wound in your leg or foot, you shouldn’t be wading in floodwater, especially in urban areas, because of the high risk of leptospirosis (infection),” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
Leptospirosis, caused by the leptospira bacteria, enters through wounds that come in contact with floodwaters, vegetation, and moist soil that are contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats. Its symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, reddish eyes, yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light stools, and low urine output.
Herbosa said for those who cannot avoid wading in floodwaters, “it is very important to wear boots or some protection against it.”
“You can ask your physicians because we can give prophylaxis if you need to wade in flood water,” he also said.
Egay, which left the country last week, caused massive flooding in several regions. Another weather disturbance, typhoon “Falcon,” is enhancing the southwest monsoon which will brings rains in the next three days in parts of Luzon and the Visayas.
