Public cautioned on leptospirosis symptoms
MANILA, Philippines - To prevent an increase in leptospirosis cases, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday urged those who waded in floodwaters spawned by Typhoon Glenda to be cautious if they manifest symptoms of the disease.
DOH spokesman Lyndon Lee Suy said that while leptospirosis is not automatically acquired by wading in floodwaters, this should not be a reason to be complacent.
“One of the early symptoms is fever, which is also the symptom of other diseases. But to be safe, see a doctor and volunteer the information that you got exposed to floods,” Lee Suy said in an interview.
Based on the DOH’s Philippine Health Advisories guidebook, the other symptoms of leptospirosis are muscle pain, headache, calf-muscle pain and reddish eyes in some cases.
In severe cases, the disease could lead to liver and brain problems and kidney failure.
Lee Suy, however, said they do not expect a significant rise in leptospirosis cases in the aftermath of Glenda. – With Christina Mendez
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