With the onset of increased rains in Davao, the Davao branch of the Department of Health announced that there is a remarkable increase in the number of reported cases of infection by the deadly Leptospirosis disease. The common vector of this disease are rats who carry the Leptospira bacterium in their kidneys.
Dr. Rogelio Penera of the DOH in Davao warned the public to be wary of places where one can come into contact with the urine of
rats. Most especially in flooded areas where the disease is carried in flood waters.
The bacteria is passed through open wounds in humans. Incubation upon infection is usually takes between 2 to 20 days.
Common symptoms of the leptospirosis disease are:
- High fever
- Intense headache
- Body chills
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Jaundice
- Red eyes
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Rashes
The disease is mostly contracted in urban areas but there are cases where victims are located in rice farms where rats congregate.
He said there is not enough advocacy on this and the public should be aware of the disease and must take the necessary precautions. According to the American CDC, the best way to safeguard from catching this deadly disease is by:
The risk of acquiring leptospirosis can be greatly reduced by not swimming or wading in water that might be contaminated with animal urine. Protective clothing or footwear should be worn by those exposed to contaminated water or soil because of their job or recreational activities.[source]
Treatment of the disease includes antibiotics during the early stages. For severe cases the antibiotics must be applied intraveneously.
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