BEWARE of Flood, Beware of Leptospirosis

Beware flood

Its typhoon season again, in fact, there were 7 typhoons hit the Philippines already as of to date. And because of that, there were floods everywhere in the country. Everybody knows when there's flood there's a lot of disease that can be contracted and one of them is what we call Leptospirosis.


Leptospirosis is a disease which is common during the rainy season. It is caused by the leptospira bacteria (from rat urine) and is usually acquired by wading in flood waters, or coming into contact with wet soil and plants contaminated by rat urine.

Leptospirosis at a glance

•   Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium.
•   Leptospirosis is transmitted to humans by direct exposure to urine or tissue of an infected  animal.
•   Leptospirosis typically progresses through two phases of nonspecific symptoms.
•   Leptospirosis can be diagnosed by culture of infected blood, urine, or spinal fluid, as well as using antibody testing.
•   Your pets may also be at risk for contracting leptospirosis.
•   Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics and is rarely fatal.

     To prevent yourself from catching this disease, avoid wading through flood waters. Otherwise, bring rubber or plastic gloves and wear them before you step into the flood. If you've been exposed, watch out for symptoms such as high fever, body aches, headaches, and bloodshot eyes. Ask your MD to run some tests since this disease is debilitating and can, though rarely, lead to death.