How to protect yourself from leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a common sickness during the rainy season. The disease is caused by the Leptospira bacteria found in rat urine. While people rarely get infected, the chances of the bacteria invading your system are significantly higher during the rainy season.   In a recent episode of the GMA News TV talk show "Tonight with Arnold Clavio," GMA anchor Arnold Clavio interviewed Dr. Ferdie de Guzman of San Lazaro Hospital about how ordinary citizens can protect themselves and their families from contracting leptospirosis, which he says is an urban problem. “Nasa urban sanitation ang problema ng lepto,” said Dr. De Guzman. “Wala masyadong kaso ng leptospirosis sa probinsya.”   Symptoms   High fever is the main symptom of the disease, said De Guzman. Although fever is also a symptom of dengue or typhoid fever, two other diseases that are also common during the rainy season, victims of leptospirosis may also experience nausea, muscle pains, rashes and vomiting. The Leptospirosis Information Center says patients may even feel “depressed, confused, aggressive and sometimes psychotic—with schizophrenia and hallucinations, personality changes and violence.”   Treatment Although the sickness is generally not transmissible by human contact, De Guzman advises anyone with a high fever who has fallen sick after wading in dirty water to immediately seek preventive treatment.  Jovencio Garganera, who guested on “Tonight with Arnold Clavio,” contracted leptospirosis after getting cut by scrap metal as he waded through floods brought about by the tropical storm “Ondoy” back in 2009. “Noong una, akala ko lagnat lang,” said Garganera. “Para siyang trangkaso. Kaya uminom ako ng gamot na pang-lagnat lang.”   After experiencing pain for several days, Garganera went to the hospital where he was confined for one week. After treatment, his fever subsided in a day. Doctors kept him under observation for some time. “Inaatake ng Leptospira bacteria ang kidneys at atay,” explains De Guzman. He adds that if leptospirosis goes untreated, the resulting tissue damage can be fatal.   Preventive measures The Leptospira bacteria spreads when sewage overflows into the streets during heavy rains. As much as possible, wading in flood waters should be avoided. If this cannot be avoided, one should wear boots to avoid cutting or scraping one's feet on submerged debris.   However, De Guzman believes that awareness is more effective than even the hardiest rain gear at protecting people from the disease. “Hindi natin maco-control ang mga daga,” he joked, “kaya i-focus dapat natin ang edukasyon ng mga tao.”—Job de Leon/PF, GMA News