05/02/2026
HEALTH ADVISORY: Leptospirosis Awareness
Date: February 6, 2026
Subject: Prevention and Safety Measures regarding Leptospirosis
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals (most commonly rats). With recent [flooding/heavy rains], the risk of exposure has increased.
How it Spreads
The bacteria enter the body through:
• Cuts or abrasions on the skin.
• Mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) when in contact with contaminated water.
• Ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms usually appear within 5 to 14 days after exposure. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience:
• High fever and chills
• Severe headache and muscle aches (especially in the calves and lower back)
• Redness in the eyes (conjunctival suffusion)
• Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)
Prevention Guidelines
1. Avoid Wading: Do not walk or swim in floodwaters or stagnant water.
2. Wear Protection: If you must enter potentially contaminated areas, wear rubber boots and gloves.
3. Wound Care: Cover any open wounds with waterproof bandages. Wash skin thoroughly with soap and clean water after any contact with floodwater.
4. Rodent Control: Keep your surroundings clean. Ensure trash is disposed of properly to avoid attracting rodents.
5. Food Safety: Keep food and drinking water covered and stored in rat-proof containers.
If you suspect you’ve been exposed to Leptospirosis or are showing symptoms, your actions in the first 24 to 48 hours are critical.
Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:
1. Immediate First Aid
If you have just come into contact with potentially contaminated water or soil:
• Wash thoroughly: Use plenty of soap and clean water to wash any part of your body that touched the water.
• Flush wounds: If you have an open cut that was exposed, clean it with an antiseptic (like iodine or alcohol) after washing.
• Irrigate eyes/mouth: If water splashed into your eyes or nose, flush them gently with clean, bottled, or boiled water.
2. Monitor Your Health
The incubation period is usually 5 to 14 days, but symptoms can appear as early as 2 days or as late as 30 days. Watch for:
• Sudden high fever.
• Muscle pain—specifically in the calves and lower back.
• Red eyes (without discharge or "crustiness").
3. Seek Medical Consultation
Don't "wait and see." Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection, meaning it requires antibiotics to treat effectively.
• See a doctor: Tell them explicitly, "I was exposed to floodwater/mud on [Date]."
• Ask about Prophylaxis: If you were exposed but don't have symptoms yet, a doctor may prescribe a preventive dose of an antibiotic (commonly Doxycycline) to stop the infection before it starts.
4. While Recovering
If a doctor confirms you have Leptospirosis or a high risk of it:
• Complete the antibiotic course: Even if you feel better after two days, finish the entire prescription to prevent a relapse or "Weil’s Disease" (a more severe stage involving kidney or liver failure).
• Hydrate: High fevers lead to dehydration.
• Isolate from pets: While human-to-human transmission is extremely rare, you can technically pass the bacteria in your urine, which could infect household pets.
Keep safe and be vigilant!
