Top rainy-day diseases

CEBU, Philippines – The Department of Health points out that one of the diseases to watch out against is leptospirosis that may result from the flooding. Leptospirosis is caused by contact with contaminated urine of animals, particularly rats, when splashing, wading or swimming in the floodwaters. Leptospirosis cases are commonly traced to clogged drainage, being the cause of increased flooding, especially in densely populated cities, although every community where there's flooding is at risk, as well.

But leptospirosis is by no means the most prevalent illness during the rainy days. Flood and water-borne diseases like diarrhea and gastro-intestinal problems also register a significant - at times even higher - number of cases.

The Department of Health has listed five rainy day diseases that the public should watch out for this rainy season:

1. Typhoid fever

Cause               :           Salmonella typhi bacteria.

Transmission   :           Eating food or drinking water contaminated by human waste.

Symptoms        :           sustained high fever, headache, malaise, anorexia or loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation or abdominal  discomfort.

Immediate treatment: Bring patient to the nearest hospital.

Prevention and control: Drink only safe and clean water. If unsure, boil drinking water. Wash and cook food properly, especially raw fruits and vegetables. Avoid street vended foods. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before and after eating. Keep surroundings clean to prevent insects and rodents from breeding.

2. Cholera

Cause               :           Vibrio cholerae bacteria

Transmission   :           Eating food or drinking water contaminated by human waste

Symptoms        :           Sudden onset of frequent  painless watery stools, vomiting, rapid dehydration

Immediate treatment: Replace lost body fluid by giving oral rehydration solution or a homemade solution (1 teaspoon salt, 4 teaspoons sugar and 1 liter of water). If diarrhea persists, bring patient to nearest hospital.

Prevention and control: Drink only safe and clean water. If unsure, boil drinking water. Wash and cook food properly. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before and after eating. Keep surroundings clean to prevent insects and rodents from breeding.

3. Leptospirosis

Cause               :           Leptospira bacteria from animals such as rats

Transmission    :           Entry of leptospira bacteria through wounds when in contact with flood waters, vegetation or moist soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats

Symptoms        :           Fever, muscle pain, headache, dark-colored urine, light stools, kidney failure or liver and brain involvement for severe cases

Immediate treatment: Use antibiotics as prescribed by a physician. Early consultation to prevent complications.

Prevention and control: Avoid swimming or wading in flood water or potentially contaminated water. Use boots and gloves. Drain potentially contaminated water when possible. Control rats in the household by using traps or poison. Keep house and surroundings clean.

4. Influenza

Cause               :           Influenza virus A, B or C

Transmission   :           Entry of influenza virus into the respiratory tract via droplets from an infected person (coughing, talking or sneezing),           or through contact with surfaces  contaminated with discharges of an infected person

Symptoms        :           Fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough or other respiratory manifestations

Immediate treatment: Use antiviral agents within the first two days to halt the course of illness. Consult physician regarding antiviral agents. For fever, use paracetamol. Get adequate rest.

Prevention and control: Get influenza vaccine. Provide a separate room to a person sick with influenza. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of the virus. Avoid crowded places. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

5. Dengue

Cause               :           Aedes aegypti, a mosquito that lays eggs in clear and stagnant water

Transmission   :            Bite from an aedes aegypti  mosquito

Symptoms        :            Sudden onset of high fever  which may last from two to seven days, joint and muscle pain, rashes, vomiting, dark-colored stool.

Immediate treatment: Bring patient to the nearest hospital.

Prevention and control: Cover water containers at all times to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Replace water in flower vases and clean all water containers once a week. Collect and dispose all unusable items that can collect and hold water.

Meanwhile, the DOH urged the public to stay indoors, avoid wading in flood waters, and stay away from low-lying areas and bridges as heavy rains continue.