Leptospirosis - 10 simple tips to prevent it

With the incessant rains, the risk of contracting dangerous diseases like leptospirosis rises. Here is your guide to stay safe this monsoon.

Reports of the increasing number of cases of leptospirosis in the city are flooding the newspapers. If you are a Mumbaikar and have to brave the torrential rains we all are experiencing lately, you must know that communicable diseases are about as common as the potholes on the roads. Here is a post that will tell you exactly how you can stay away from contracting the debilitating and in some cases fatal condition.

Leptospirosis is spread through the urine, stool and reproductive fluids of infected animals, especially rats. The heavy rains only add to the risk of these contaminants flowing into puddles, soil and other areas where people frequent. The bacteria enter a human's body through cuts, abrasions or through the mouth and nose (mucous membranes). Since there is little we can do to stop the flooding on the streets, there are some precautions we can take:

1. Avoid stepping in puddles of water. They not only contain rain water, but also runoff from sewage, open fields and roads, adding to the possibility that it might contain the bacteria.
2. If walking in puddles is unavoidable, make sure to wash your shoes and feet well with clean water once you reach your destination. Pour water and clean the area between the toes especially well. (Read:Foot care made easy)
3. Avoid standing in a puddle for long periods of time. This will help reduce the chances of contracting the disease.
4. Wear shoes that allow the drainage of puddle water and that can be washed. This will allow any excess water to drain out as you walk and allow for thorough cleaning and drying after you wash them. Washing the shoes is imperative because if you step into puddle water filled shoes with well washed feet, the whole process is useless.
5. Once you have the opportunity, wash your feet and hands well with water and soap, making sure you scrub well between the toes and fingers. (Read:The correct way to wash your hands)
6. Avoid touching your face, mouth and nose with your hands. Use tissues or a handkerchiefs if you have to wipe your face. This will help reduce the transmission of the bacterium from your hands to your nose and mouth.
7. Use a hand sanitizer whenever required, especially after visiting a common toilet.
8. If you have a cut or abrasion make sure the dressing is changed regularly and the wound is dried regularly. If your bandage gets wet, be sure to re-dress the wound after washing the area well and using an appropriate antibacterial solution.
9. If you have just had a pedicure, make sure you avoid rain water as much as possible for about a day after the treatment. This is because during a pedicure there are chances of minute abrasions that could allow the entry of the bacteria. If you have to step out, make sure you wash your feet well with an antibacterial soap and warm water as soon as you can. Applying an antiseptic solution to the feet after washing them is also advisable. (Read:Manicures and pedicures: What your beautician won't tell you)
10. Try keeping your nails short and clean this monsoon. Long nails are known to trap a lot of dirt and contaminants. Cutting them and cleaning them well is the best way to stay away from communicable diseases.