Leptospirosis [lep-to-spy-RO-sis]
In 2002, the Jakarta Health Board had accounted 8 people died of leptospirosis. At that time, more than 8 areas in Jakarta were endangered. While in 2004, at least 13 people were diagnosed with leptospirosis, 3 among which died by this disease widely known as the “flood fever.”
Well, there is no guarantee that leptospirosis would not be a pandemic at this moment… On second thought, flood victims are in a very, very high risk state to be exposed. But let’s first learn a few things about this desease.
Leptospirosis is a potentially serious bacterial illness that can affect many parts of the body. Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira interrogans, a corkscrew-shaped bacterium (spirochete). This zoonoses – animall illness that can spread to human – is almost as deadly as its relative, the bird flu (avian influenza).
Leptospirosis-causing bacteria are common worldwide, especially in tropical countries with heavy rainfall. Infected rodents, rats in Jakarta case, and other wild and domestic animals pass the bacteria in their urine. The bacteria can live for a long time in fresh water, damp soil, vegetation, and mud. Flooding after heavy rainfall helps spread the bacteria in the environment.
People get leptospirosis by contact with fresh water, damp soil, or vegetation contaminated by the urine of infected animals. People who canoe, raft, wade, or swim in contaminated lakes, rivers, and streams can get leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is also a problem for people who work in contaminated flood plains or wet agricultural settings. In Jakarta case, the flood is the medium to carry the bacteria from rats’ urine.
Leptospirosis bacteria can enter the body through broken skin and mucous membranes. The bacteria can also enter the body when a person swallows contaminated food or water, including water swallowed during water sports. Once in the bloodstream, the bacteria can reach all parts of the body and cause signs and symptoms of illness.
Most infected persons have a mild to moderate illness that is like many other tropical diseases. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills, nausea and vomiting, eye inflammation, and muscle aches. In more severe cases, the illness can result in liver damage and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), kidney failure, and internal bleeding. People who are seriously ill with leptospirosis need to be hospitalized.
Symptoms usually begin about 10 days after infection. Leptospirosis is diagnosed by a special blood test that is available through state health departments. Severe or untreated leptospirosis can lead to organ system damage and, in rare cases, death.
The good news is leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. Treatment should be started as soon as possible. Severely ill persons might need intravenous antibiotic treatment and other supportive care.
Further, we can prevent leptospirosis by Minimizing contact with fresh water, mud, and vegetation that might be contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rodents; wearing protective clothing, such as waterproof boots or waders, when participating in recreational or work activities that might result in contact with contaminated water; consider taking antibiotics before and during travel to help prevent infection from short-term, high-risk exposures.
As the bacteria can live for weeks, one simple way of prevention is the fact that it dies when exposed to such disinfectant as lisol. Flood victims can use lisol, or other disinfectants, to clean their shelters and houses. If they have access to such disinfectant of course…. Well, any donator out there?
Finally, this writing is for information only and is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health-care provider. After all, I’m only a witchdoctor.
