No swimming in floodwaters: DOH issues anti-leptospirosis advisories

Related: Survival tips: what to do before, during, and after the flood

As Tropical Storm Maring continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing floods to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon, a Department of Health official advised the public on what to do in times of flood to lessen the risk of catching leptospirosis and other rainy-season diseases.

Leptospirosis is a potentially serious bacterial disease which, according to the DOH, may be acquired through exposure to contaminated floodwaters through cuts in the skin, or by swallowing bacteria directly from water or through food.

"Although the disease is commonly associated with rat urine, infection can also come from animals like cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and wild animals," it said.

Its symptoms include flu-like symptoms like fever, chills, muscle pain, intense headache, and may sometimes lead to meningitis, liver damage and renal failure, or in some cases, death.

Contaminated flood waters carry "moderate to high risk of leptospirosis."

'Eric Tayag says'

In a series of posts on his Twitter account, National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag issued precautions against certain activities and advisories on protecting yourself from disease:

• Swimming in contaminated floodwaters "carries risk of leptospirosis."
• Those with wounds should "cover broken skin with plaster to reduce risk of leptospirosis when wading in contaminated flood water."
• Dead animals should be buried once the floodwaters recede under at least two feet of cover and 1,000 feet away from drinking water sources.
• Frequent and thorough hand-washing is vital to prevent diarrhea and other diseases, and evacuation centers should have functional toilets.

In another post, Tayag added that the DOH is preparing to distribute prophylactic antibiotics to curb the possible spread of leptospirosis, but advised the public against self-treatment. — BM, GMA News