DOH issues leptospirosis alert

MANILA, Philippines - Fearing a possible outbreak of leptospirosis due to Tropical Storm Mario, the Department of Health (DOH) strongly urged the public yesterday to avoid wading in floodwaters.

In its Twitter account @officialdohgov, the DOH said floodwaters could be contaminated with Leptospira spirochete bacteria that usually come from the urine of infected rats.

The DOH advised people to use protective gear like boots and gloves if their work requires exposure to floodwaters.

The agency said it wants to avoid a repeat of the leptospirosis outbreak in 2009 due to the massive flooding brought about by Tropical Storm Ondoy to almost all areas in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

Leptospirosis is a zoonic disease caused by the urine of animals, particularly rodents.

Humans can be infected by the disease through contact with open wounds, broken skin or mucus membrane like the eyes, nose and mouth.

The disease is characterized by fever, muscle pain, headache, calf pain and in some cases, reddish eye. It could be fatal when it attacks the kidney.

DOH records show that from January to Aug. 9 this year, there were 443 leptospirosis cases reported.

This is 57.9 percent lower than the 1,054 cases recorded during the same period last year.

A majority of cases came from Western Visayas (20.09 percent), Cagayan Valley (12.87 percent), Central Luzon  (11.74 percent), Metro Manila (10.84 percent) and Northern Mindanao (8.35 percent).