Here’s what you need to know about leptospirosis

Following the severe flooding caused by Super Typhoon Carina and the habagat, the risk of acquiring leptospirosis have spiked.

According to the Philippine Society of Nephrology Inc. (PSNI), leptospirosis is caused by a bacteria called leptospira, which is found in contaminated water or soil. It is spread through the urine or feces of infected animals, mostly rats, and affects both humans and animals.

On Facebook, PSNI emphasized that leptospirosis is spread when a person walks through, swims, or enters a flooded area. The bacteria enters the body through open wounds or even scars, or by accidentally drinking water contaminated by the urine or feces of an infected animal with leptospira. 

Among the symptoms of leptospiris include fever, muscle pain, headache, stomachache, diarrhea, red eyes, skin turning yellow in color, lesser amount of urine, and trouble breathing. 

Leptospirosis leads to complications such as kidney failures and dialysis, and pulmonary hemorrhage. It may also lead to death.

PSNI recommends the doxycycline to those who have been in flooded areas. It is an antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria.

In its post, PSNI said those who have treaded flood area once without any wounds or scars are at low risk exposure of leptospirosis. The center advises taking two 100mg capsules of doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours within one day of being in a flood for one day.

Those with wounds, and those who had floodwater in their eyes, mouth, or ears, are at moderate risk exposure, with the center recommending two 100mg capsules of doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours within one day of being in a flood for three to five days.

Finally, those who swam, drank, and have been in floodwaters for several days or moments, are at high risk exposure, with the center recommending two 100mg capsules of doxycycline once a day until they are no longer exposed to floodwaters.

But PSNI clarified doxycycline is not 100 % effective in avoiding leptospirosis. It warned the antibiotic is not allowed for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and kids under eight years old.

Metro Manila was placed under a state of calamity Wednesday amid severe flooding. Malls and other establishments provided shelter, parking spaces, bathrooms, and internet signal.

Carina has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday morning, but a number of areas in Metro Manila remain flooded.

PAGASA weather specialist Veronica Torres on Unang Balita Thursday said it will continue to enhance the Southwest Monsoon or habagat that will bring moderate to intense rains over the western section of Luzon. 

Several organizations, including GMA Kapuso Foundation, have also opened up donation drives to benefit those affected by the super typhoon.

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated news