Leptospirosis death toll has reached 57
According to the Department of Health (DOH), the death toll from leptospirosis has reached to 57. There are more than 700 cases that have been reported in four government hospitals.Typhoon Ondoy has flooded the majority of Metro Manila and it increased the risk of leptospirosis to humans.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is caused by spirochetes, a gram-negative bacteria. Humans can be infected by water that has been contaminated by animal urine through breaks in the skin, eyes or mucous membranes — skin, nostrils, lips, ears, genital area and the anus.
The symptoms of leptospirosis can take 2 to 26 days to develop and it may include the following:
* Dry cough
* Fever
* Headache
* Muscle pain
* Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
* Shaking chills
A 200mg oral dose of the antibiotic Doxycyline provides protection to leptospirosis for at least 7 days BUT it does not totally prevent an infection.
More information about leptospirosis can be found here:
http://www.leptospirosis.org/
