Health Update

The rains are back and with it, the possibility of leptospirosis, a potentially deadly disease. In tropical countries like the Philippines, leptospirosis occurs most frequently during the wet season when there is a greater chance of contact with water contaminated by rat urine or feces carrying leptospira bacteria.

Leptospirosis can be contracted by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially with mucosal surfaces, such as the eyes or nose, or with broken skin.

Even the tiniest cuts, blisters and abrasions on the skin, can serve as points of entry for the leptospira bacterium. It causes a wide range of symptoms which can often be misdiagnosed.

Unless properly diagnosed and treated, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress. In rare cases, death may occur. (more…)