THE DEPARTMENT of Health - Center for Health Development (DOH CHD) 5 (Bicol) on Thursday cautioned the public against leptospirosis, as heavy rains caused by a low-pressure area (LPA) could lead to flooding in various areas of the region.
In a public advisory, DOH-5 explained that leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can be acquired from food, water, and soil contaminated with the infected urine or feces of animals.
It is mostly transmitted through contact with the infected urine of rats, pigs, cows, and dogs; exposure to contaminated water or urine in the eyes, nose, and mouth; consumption of contaminated food and water; and contact with contaminated water, such as floodwaters, while having open wounds.
DOH-5 is advising the public to refrain from swimming or wading through dirty water or floods and to use boots and gloves if work necessitates contact with dirty water. Proper waste disposal, ensuring clean drinking water, maintaining cleanliness in the house and environment, and washing with clean water and soap after exposure to contaminated water are also recommended.
The symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, calf muscle pain, dizziness, headache, body ache, diarrhea, rash, yellowing of the skin, and red eyes. If left untreated, it can damage the kidneys, brain, and liver.
Those experiencing these symptoms for more than two days are urged to immediately seek medical attention.
Meanwhile, Gremil Alexis Naz of the Office of Civil Defense 5 said they are coordinating with various government agencies and local government units in the region regarding the LPA monitored by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
"Based on the weather advisory issued by PAGASA, the LPA and the southwest monsoon will bring moderate to heavy rains to Masbate province. There is a yellow warning for Masbate due to potential flooding in low-lying areas and near river channels. Moderate to heavy rains are also affecting Albay and Sorsogon, which may persist for the next three hours," he said. (Connie Calipay)
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