Prevent Leptospirosis, do not walk in puddles of rain water!

It's the monsoons again and with the rains come the associated diseases. One condition that we all hear about during the floods in Mumbai is leptospirosis.

Did you know that leptospirosis is actually a bacterial condition, spread to humans through infected rodents? Spread by a phylum of bacterium calledspirochaetes, the condition is caused when the feces or urine of infected rodents contaminates the environment. The bacteria pass into the human system through cuts or abrasions on the skin. Another common mode of transmission is through the mucous membranes (slimy lining inside the body) of the mouth, nose and eyes.

During the monsoons, large amounts of stagnant water from gutters or run off from drains carry the bacterium. When humans step in these puddles or stagnant pools of water, the organism infects them.

The illness typically progresses through two stages, some of the most common symptoms in the first stage are -- high fever or flu likesymptoms, severe headaches, muscle pain, chills, abdominal pain, jaundice, reddening of the eyes. When the condition progresses it can lead to haemorrhage under the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting and rashes all over the body.

The treatment of leptospirosis involves heavy doses of antibiotics. In the case of early detection a patient can be administered oral doses of the medicines, but in severe cases he/she may have to be admitted and given intravenous doses of antibiotics. Currently the leptospirosis vaccine is in the trial phase in India, and should be launched soon.

What you can do to avoid the condition:

• Avoid stepping into puddles. If your feet do get wet, make sure you wash them well when you get the chance.
• Do not touch your face (mouth, nose or eyes) unless you have sanitized your hands well. This will reduce the possibility of transferring the bacterium from your hands onto your face.
• If you have any cuts or abrasions on your skin, make sure you bandage it well and change the dressing regularly. Clean out the wound with a disinfectant before you change the dressing.

Image source: wonderfulmumbai.com