DOH: Lepto cases up, take safety precautions
THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reiterated its reminder for the public to take safety precautions to avoid contracting leptospirosis.
The DOH issued the reminder after noting an increase in leptospirosis cases from January 1 to August 13 this year. The cases totaled 1,462, which is 17 percent higher compared to the 1,249 leptospirosis cases recorded in the same period last year.
It added the increase in cases and fatalities, based on the department’s surveillance report, is due to the series of downpours that causes flooding.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which may be mistaken for other diseases.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
While some infected persons may have no symptoms at all, Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including: high fever; headache; chills; muscle aches; vomiting; jaundice (yellow skin and eyes); red eyes; abdominal pain; diarrhea; and rash,
To avoid getting infected, the DOH reminded the public to avoid wading, swimming, or playing in floodwaters that may contain animal urine, especially if one has an open wound.
If wading cannot be avoided, wear protective footwear like boots especially those with open wounds.
Wash feet thoroughly with clean water and soap after wading in floodwaters.
Maintain cleanliness at home and dispose of garbage properly. Eliminate rats and other pests by using rat traps or rat poison.
The health agency also noted an increase in measles cases in the whole country, compared to the same period last year. By YVONNE P. CERVANTES
