Red Cross warns vs leptospirosis during rainy season

Residents wade through a flooded Araneta Avenue in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City, ,as rainfall continues due to the southwest monsoon which flooded many parts of Metro Manila, on July 25, 2021. (File photo by NIÑO JESUS ORBETA / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

MANILA, Philippines — With the onset of the rainy season, avoid wading through a flood unprotected, especially if you have an open wound, as you could get leptospirosis, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) reminded the public on Tuesday.

“After a series of rains in recent days, many areas in Metro Manila have been flooded,” the PRC said in an advisory in Filipino.

According to the PRC, leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is typically thrives water that has been contaminated by rat urine.

The bacteria can enter the body through the eyes, nose, mouth, and open wounds when exposed to contaminated flood water, food, drink, or objects.

The symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, redness of the eyes, stomach ache, diarrhea, joint pain, and vomiting.

The PRC advised people who could not avoid going through a flood wear gloves, boots, and other protective gear.

It also urged people showing symptoms of leptospirosis to seek early consultation.

RELATED STORIES

DOH records 631 cases of leptospirosis in first 4 months

Leptospirosis: A scourge that comes with rains, floods

atm