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La Niña prompts DOH exec to warn vs. leptospirosis

By Ernie Delgado


LEGAZPI CITY --- As heavy rainfall and flooding from the La Niña phenomenon are expected to persist in the coming months, the Department of Health’s Bicol Center for Health Development advised the public on Thursday to take precautions against waterborne leptospirosis.


DOH Bicol CHD Coordinator Lulu Ramos-Santiago advised against wading through floodwaters whenever possible.


When streets and houses are flooded with water contaminated by rat and animal urine, the risk of contracting the deadly disease increases, Santiago said during the Ugnayan sa Bicol broadcast.


During a climate forum yesterday, Assistant Weather Services Chief Ana Liza Solis of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration confirmed that the country is under a La Niña alert, expecting above-normal rainfall until the February-March-April season, which may lead to frequent flooding.


Dr. Santiago stated that the floods will create an ideal environment for the deadly leptospirosis.


Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria, commonly found in the urine of infected animals, including rats, livestock, dogs, and cats.


Santiago pointed out that the most common causes of leptospirosis are exposure to contaminated waters, especially floodwaters.


“Leptospirosis bacteria typically originate from rats, which usually inhabit drainage systems. Floodwater often passes through these areas before reaching our roads, increasing the risk of leptospirosis,” she explained.


She said that even clear and clean-looking flood water may still be contaminated with leptospirosis bacteria.


“Just because the flood water is clear doesn’t mean it is leptospirosis-free. Murky or clear, it may be contaminated because the drainage systems have rat urine,” she added.


She said that the bacteria can enter the body through the skin, particularly if there is a break in the skin due to a cut or scratch.


Additionally, she clarified that even without a skin injury, a person can still become infected by ingesting contaminated water.


If not treated properly, the patient could face severe complications, including kidney damage, liver failure, respiratory distress, and inflammation of protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord, potentially leading to death.


Due to the similarities of leptospirosis symptoms with other illnesses, Santiago urged individuals who have waded in floodwaters to visit the nearest health center immediately and undergo a specific laboratory test.


Taking this test is crucial because antibiotic treatment works best when started early in the disease progression, she said.


Santiago noted the availability of free consultations at government health centers.


Santiago emphasized that every community member can help reduce leptospirosis cases by properly disposing of solid waste.


Poor waste management increases the rat population, which spreads the disease, she added.


“When we clean our yards, we make sure that we dispose of garbage properly, this is where it starts,” she said. (PIA5/Masbate)

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