Flood and Leptospirosis

Out of Topic Intro: If you’ve noticed I changed my layout. Yipee! I saw a blog with a cute layout and got inspired (I’m usually masipag if inspired. hehe). And oh, I decided to drop the behind the curtain drama, I figured it’s more interesting if you see the person behind the blog. J Ok, let’s get to the topic.

source: reuters

With the current flooding situation in Metro Manila, aside from housing damage and scarcity of food, residents are also facing the risk of acquiring communicable diseases. Thanks to our country’s dense population and compromised drainage system, the risk is higher here in the Philippines.

Last 2009, during typhoon 'Ondoy', a Leptospirosis outbreak occurred in the Philippines. With the same flooding situation now, the risk of an outbreak is highly possible.

Leptospira spp., is the causative bacteria of Leptospirosis. It is found in wide range of animals and are transmitted to humans through their urine (rats excrete higher concentration of bacteria). Transmission occurs through the ingestion of contaminated water, contact of open wounds or mucus membrane to urine/tissues of infected animals. And because most houses in the Philippines have rats (whether we like it or not), the disease is endemic in the Philippines and usually rises during typhoon seasons. 

Signs and Symptoms:

• Phase 1 (Septicemic/ Leptospiremic Phase): Flu-like characteristics (headache, muscle pain, joint pain, cough, eye pain, nausea & vomiting, chills, and fever)

This may resolve within 4-9 days or more. But others may develop more serious symptoms that leads to the second stage.

• Phase 2 (Immune/Toxic Phase): stiffness of the neck, meningitis, liver damage (causes jaundice or yellowing of the skin), renal failure and other organ failure.

This may last for a week or a month. For severe conditions, death may occur in the 1st or 2nd week.

Preventive measures:

• Prophylaxis - the standard is 200mg Doxycycline for adults per week (not given to children d/t potential S/E)
• Avoid unnecessary wading/swimming in flood waters (use boots and other protective gears)
• Cover cuts and broken wounds with waterproof plasters.
• If possible, drink mineral/distilled water or boil the water.
• Rodent control and immunization of pets can minimize the risk of Leptospirosis.
• Always wash your hands after handling contaminated materials and before eating or drinking.

Your NOD,
PinayRN

Sources: 

 World Health Organization -http://www.who.int

 Center for Disease Control and Prevention - http://www.nc.cdc.gov