DOH raises alert on leptospirosis

AMID the torrential rains and massive flooding brought by the southwest monsoon and super typhoon “Carina,” the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday alerted the public over the increased threat of leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that is spread through the urine of infected animals that gets mixed in flood water or soil.

Its symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache, pain in the calf muscles, reddish eyes, jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, or low urine output.

In a statement, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa urged the public to be careful when wading in floodwaters.

“People may get leptospirosis by wading through floodwaters or handling soil/mud/dirt after a flood, with or without visible wounds, through exposed skin,” said Herbosa.

He said it is best to avoid wading in floodwaters to prevent getting afflicted with leptospirosis, which is caused by the Leptospira bacterium.

If wading in floodwaters is unavoidable, Herbosa said it would be better if one will wear boots or other personal protective equipment.

For those who were exposed, Herbosa said they should consult the nearest doctor or health center within 24 hours after wading through floodwaters or touching soil/mud/dirt after a flood.

“Do not be complacent (against leptospirosis) as its symptoms can take as long as one month to appear,” he said.

Data from the health department show that there are 1,258 leptospirosis cases recorded from January 1 to July 13.

This is 41 percent lower compared to the same period last year, which saw 2,150 cases of leptospirosis.

Given the potential effects of the massive flooding and torrential rains, the DOH yesterday raised the Code White Alert in all its regional offices.

It said the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM) has also raised the Code White Alert in the region.

“The health units shall conduct proactive monitoring and reporting of any untoward health incidents,” said the DOH.