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Leptospirosis: What You Need to Know
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that often spreads during the rainy season, especially in areas prone to flooding. In the Philippines and other tropical countries, cases of leptospirosis rise when people come into contact with floodwaters contaminated with animal urine—most commonly from rats. Knowing the signs, risks, and ways to prevent this disease can help protect you and your loved ones.
What Causes Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria, which thrive in water and soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals. Humans can get infected when the bacteria enter the body through:
- Cuts or open wounds
- Eyes, nose, or mouth
- Prolonged contact with contaminated water (This makes wading through floodwaters a major risk factor.)
Common Symptoms
Leptospirosis symptoms usually appear within 5 to 14 days after exposure, but sometimes can take up to 30 days. Early signs can look like the flu, which is why the disease is often overlooked at first. Symptoms may include:
- High fever and chills
- Severe headache
- Muscle pain (especially in calves and lower back)
- Red eyes (conjunctival suffusion)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
If left untreated, leptospirosis can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, liver damage, meningitis, or respiratory distress.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention immediately if you have flu-like symptoms after exposure to floodwater. Early treatment with antibiotics is most effective and can prevent severe complications.
How to Prevent Leptospirosis
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips:
- Avoid contact with floodwater whenever possible.
- Wear protective boots or waterproof shoes if you need to walk through flooded areas.
- Cover wounds properly before going outside.
- Maintain good hygiene—wash your hands and feet with clean water and soap after exposure.
- Control rodents around your home to reduce contamination risks.
- Take prophylactic medicine (as prescribed) during outbreaks if recommended by health authorities.
Leptospirosis may be serious, but with the right knowledge and precautions, it can be prevented. By staying cautious during the rainy season, avoiding floodwater, and seeking medical help when symptoms appear, you protect not only yourself but also your loved ones.
At Starpharm, your safety and well-being will always be at the heart of what we do. We care about keeping families healthy and helping communities shine, rain or shine. Because at Starpharm, to shine and to care is more than our tagline—it’s our promise to you. 🌟💙
References
- About Leptospirosis.
https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/about/index.html - Leptospirosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24021-leptospirosis - Leptospirosis: Treatment and Prevention.
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/leptospirosis-treatment-and-prevention - Leptospirosis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-leptospirosis - Leptospirosis Treatment & Management: Approach Considerations, Diet and Activity.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/220563-treatment?form=fpf - Leptospirosis - StatPearls.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441858/ - Leptospirosis (Weil's disease).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/leptospirosis/ - Leptospirosis | Disease Outbreak Control Division.
https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/leptospirosis/ - Leptospirosis - Infections.
https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-spirochetes/leptospirosis
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