High rainfall in a number of regions in Indonesia often causes flooding. This can be a trigger for the emergence of a number of diseases, one of which is leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria. This disease can attack humans and animals. If left untreated, leptospirosis can cause serious complications, such as kidney or liver failure, meningitis, difficulty breathing, and bleeding.
Leptospirosis cases usually increase after flooding or in the rainy season. Because in that season, more people experience contact with dirty water that is potentially contaminated by animal urine containing germs that cause leptospirosis.
Modes of Transmission of Leptospirosis
A person can get leptospirosis when they come in contact with water or soil that contains bodily fluids, such as urine or blood, from animals infected with the Leptospira bacteria. Animals that can spread leptospirosis are mice, dogs, and livestock, such as cattle or pigs.
When heavy rain occurs, animal urine on the ground and other surfaces can dissolve in standing water or flood. People who are exposed to such water, for example when walking through floods, are at risk of developing leptospirosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Symptoms of leptospirosis usually only appear on the 5th day until the 14th day after the sufferer is exposed to Leptospira bacteria. Even so, symptoms can appear more quickly, ie since day 2, or actually appear more slowly, until the 30th day after exposure to bacteria. Early symptoms of leptospirosis include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle ache
- Red eye
- Gag
- Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Skin rash
- Cough
Risk Groups for Leptospirosis
In addition to residents in flooded areas, leptospirosis also often attacks people who work outdoors or have regular contact with animals. In addition, this disease can also affect people with activities that involve water or soil, such as swimming, rowing, or gardening.
Some factors that can increase a person's risk for contracting leptospirosis are:
- Drinking from potentially contaminated water sources, such as flood water, river water, or unclean tap water.
- Consuming food that has been exposed to contaminated water.
- Bath or soak in contaminated flood water or fresh water, especially when diving or if you have an open wound when in contact with water.
Prevention and Treatment of Leptospirosis
The most important way to prevent transmission of leptospirosis is to avoid contact or consumption of water that might be contaminated. If this is not possible, you can follow the steps below to reduce the risk of leptospirosis infection:
- Make sure the water is safe to drink by boiling the water until it is cooked, especially if the water is taken from sources that can be contaminated with animal urine or flood waters.
- Cover the wound or blister on your skin with a waterproof bandage or other cover.
- Avoid swallowing, swimming or bathing in flood water or any water source that may be contaminated with animal urine or flood water runoff.
- Wear water protective clothing or boots in a flooded area or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine.
- Prevent rodent attacks by storing food, water, and trash in closed containers.
- Avoid eating foods that might have been in contact with mice.
If you feel you have symptoms of leptospirosis, see your doctor immediately. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and supporting tests, such as blood and urine tests, to confirm the diagnosis of leptospirosis.
If leptospirosis is diagnosed correctly, the doctor will provide treatment with antibiotics. As for cases of severe leptospirosis, patients may need to be hospitalized and evaluated strictly by doctors and nurses.
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