DOH cautions public vs. leptospirosis amid rainy season

The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reminded the public to be cautious against getting leptospirosis from flood waters during this rainy season.

Dr. Beverly Ho, DOH Director for Promotion and Communication Service, said exposure to flood must be avoided especially if one has open wounds.

"If ever that happens, please reach out to your health care provider so that you might be provided with necessary post-exposure prophylaxis kung kinakailangan," Ho said in an online forum.

Leptospirosis is a water-borne illness caused by the leptospira bacteria.

The said bacteria may enter through wounds when an individual is in contact with flood waters, vegetation, or moist soil that has been contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats, according to the DOH.

It has an incubation period of seven to 10 days.

Among the symptoms of leptospirosis are fever, muscle pain, headache, and reddish eyes for some cases. Severe cases may affect the liver, kidney, and brain.—AOL, GMA News