Watch out for leptospirosis
AS FLOODING persists in many parts of the province during this rainy season, the public has been warned against leptospirosis, a virus that can be contracted from infected water and soil.
Records from the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) show that the number of leptospirosis cases admitted in the hospital so far this year is higher than last year, a total 14 with six of those recorded in August.
Dr. Michael Canto, R1MC spokesman, said last Wednesday that more cases are expected after the flooding last week resulting from heavy rains brought in by typhoon “Mina”.
Two people have since died from the disease.
Canto advised people to avoid wading in floodwaters, especially those who have open wounds.
Leptospirosis, an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria called a spirochete, can be transmitted by animals such as rats through their waste.
The Leptospira virus can enter the body through broken skin as well as the mouth, nose and eyes. It can also be ingested from contaminated food or water.
Initial symptoms of the disease, which begin from two to 25 days, are similar to flu such as fever, headache, and muscle aches, then come eye pain or sensitivity to bright light, chills, diarrhea, rashes, and red eyes. Later signs include jaundice or the yellowish pigmentation of the skin and abdominal pain in the right upper area. (with report from PIA-Pangasinan)
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