Preventive Measures Against Leptospirosis During Floods

With the floods in Cebu due to continuous rains, people in affected areas must be aware of Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by pathogenic bacteria known as spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira, one of the most common zoonosis in the world and endemic to the Philippines. Human leptospirosis is often acquired when a person comes in contact with water (flood waters for example) or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, usually rats.

Leptospires are believed to enter the host, not just through abrasions in healthy skin (which is what most people are aware of), but according to an article in Medscape, also possibly through waterlogged and sodden skin (like when you stay in the water for a long time). It can also be transmitted directly through intact mucus membranes or the conjunctiva, through the nasal mucosa, or through the lungs (after inhalation of aerosolized body fluid), or even during pregnancy through the placenta.

Human leptospirosis is often acquired in contact with water (flood waters for example) or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, usually rats.

A person with leptospirosis can present with fever, calf tenderness, muscle pain, conjunctival suffusion (redness), abdominal pain, headache, chills, low output of urine and yellowing of the skin.

The most effective measure to prevent leptospirosis in cases of floods is simple…avoiding exposure to floods. If this cannot be avoided, protective gear like boots, goggles and rubber gloves should be worn.

But in the case when floods do not subside and one in flooded areas is continually exposed to the flood as a rescuer, relief worker or as a resident of the area then according to Philippine Society of Microbiology and Infectious Disease (PSMID) guidelines, one has to take antibiotic prophylaxis in the form of DOXYCYCLINE 200 mg (or 2 capsules of 100mg) once weekly until the end of exposure.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is NOT 100%  effective as there are many factors that can affect effectiveness such as extent of exposure, timing of intake and interaction with other drugs. That is why the best measure is still to avoid exposure to floods if possible. And even if one has taken prophylaxis, one has to continue monitoring for signs and symptoms of leptospirosis if he or she has a history of exposure.

It is NOT for pregnant individuals and children less than 8 years old. If you are breastfeeding a baby, do not take this medication without telling your doctor. Doxycycline may affect tooth and bone development in a baby and may cause permanent graying or yellowing of child’s teeth as well as affect his or her growth.

And of course, if you suspect you have allergies to doxycycline or similar drugs such as tetracycline and minocycline, do NOT take it.

In short, consult your doctor who knows your medical history if you can take this drug for prophylaxis in case needed.

Source: narcisotapia.com