Don’t be a victim of leptospirosis

Climate change and the increase in rainfall have brought about a resurgence of leptospirosis cases in the Philippines. In 2009, leptospirosis cases reached a record 5,384 cases mainly due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. In 2012, there were 3,314 cases and 170 deaths.

In contrast with other diseases, the mortality rate from leptospirosis is much higher at a reported 5% to 40%. In comparison, dengue fever has a mortality rate of around 1%, and almost everybody recovers from the ordinary flu.

Leptospirosis is a bacteria that incubates in the urine of infected animals, and it can be passed on to humans. The animals that usually harbor leptospirosis are rats, dogs, pigs, and cattle.

Hence, the bacteria can thrive in drinking water, soil, muddy areas, and flood waters from weeks to months.

How does one get leptospirosis? If one wades in flood water, the bacteria can penetrate miniature cracks in the skin of the feet, especially if the person has athlete’s foot. Even without a wound, leptospirosis can penetrate the body through the mucosa of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Walking in muddy areas, farmlands, and garbage-infested places is also risky. Farmers, fishermen, construction workers, and carpenters are especially prone to develop leptospirosis. In the Philippines, men between the ages of 20 and 40 are at highest risk.

The incubation of leptospirosis is between two days and 30 days. From the day of exposure, the average time the symptoms will appear is around five to 14 days.

The typical symptoms of leptospirosis are high fever, severe headache, muscle aches especially the calf muscle, and vomiting. If untreated, leptospirosis may become more serious and cause yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) and reduction in urine output, which is a sign of kidney failure. This severe type of leptospirosis is called Weil’s disease.

Possible complications of leptospirosis include injury to the kidneys, lungs, brain, liver, and heart. If kidney failure occurs, this often requires dialysis treatment. Local data show that around 20% of kidney failure patients may not recover.

Prevention tips

1. Avoid wading in flood waters.

2. If this cannot be avoided, then minimize the time you spend in the dirty water. Be careful not to accidentally swallow this contaminated water. Wear boots to avoid getting your feet wet.

3. After being exposed to flood water, wash your feet immediately with soap and water. You may use 70% rubbing alcohol to clean your feet. This may help a bit.

4.  Avoid walking barefoot on soil and muddy areas.

5. Control the rat population in your environment. Protect your home by setting up screens to prevent rats from getting inside. Use a mousetrap.

6. Don’t leave food uncovered inside your house. This will attract rats and other insects, which carry disease.

7. Treat foot infections, especially athlete’s foot. Fungal infections can cause tiny cuts in the skin. Consult a doctor.