BY GEORGE NAVA TRUE II
WADING may sound romantic, especially if you’re doing it with someone you love. But if you’re wading in floodwaters, that’s a sure way of getting leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a disease that’s caused by bacteria that comes from the urine of infected animals. Aside from water, the bacteria can live in the soil for weeks or months. It enters the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth, more so if the skin has a cut or scratch.
Outbreaks are caused by exposure to contaminated water from lakes or rivers, especially floodwaters. But you can also get the disease if you touch the urine or other body fluids of infected animals and consume contaminated food or water.
More cases appearing
Leptospirosis cases are increasing in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health (DOH), there was a 13% increase in cases this year compared to the same period in 2020. Over 500 cases have been reported from January to June 2021 and fatalities have increased as well. The DOH said the Cordillera Administrative Region, Western Visayas, and Cagayan Valley region have the highest incidence of the disease.
Infected animals have no symptoms, but they can spread the disease for months or years. Animals that carry the bacteria include cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and rodents.
Because it has various symptoms, leptospirosis can be mistaken for other diseases. Symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, vomiting, red eyes, diarrhea, and rash. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said some infected people don’t have symptoms.
Leptospirosis phases
Once infected, the person becomes sick in two days to four weeks. The disease may last for a few days to three weeks. In the first phase of the disease, the individual may recover but become sick again. The second phase is more severe, and the person may succumb to kidney failure or meningitis without treatment.
At risk for leptospirosis are campers, farmers, sewer workers, slaughterhouse workers, fish workers, veterinarians, and those who work outdoors with animals.
For treatment, antibiotics, such as doxycycline or penicillin, are used. Intravenous antibiotics may be required for those with severe symptoms.
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National Press Club and Philippine Dental Association awardee George N. True II has written two bestsellers based on his popular column which has been running for almost 40 years. For questions about health, email georgenavatrue@yahoo.com./PN
