The General Directorate of Public Health reported this Friday two probable cases of leptospira in Valenciain the absence of confirmation by the results of the corresponding analyzes. These are two people who have come as volunteers to carry out cleaning or debris removal tasks in two municipalities in the province affected by DANA and who “present good clinical progress”, according to the Ministry of Health.
Leptospirosis stands out as one of the main risks after floods. It is a bacterial disease that can be contracted through contact with floodwaters, wet soil or contaminated sludge with urine or tissues from infected animals, rats being the most frequent reservoirs.
These bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucosal lesionsaffecting both people who reside in the affected areas and those involved in cleanup and rescue work. Thus, to combat this infection there is antibiotic treatment, and in clinical terms, the majority of cases are self-limited, manifesting mild symptoms such as fever, general malaise and muscle pain.
Symptoms to watch for
Among the symptoms to take into account is high and persistent fever, diarrhea or vomitingsevere abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin and/or eyes.
Additionally, you should also look for dark urine, persistent cough or difficulty breathing, red or purple skin rashes that may indicate bleeding under the skin, severe headache or stiff neck, confusion, disorientation, or agitation. . Likewise, it must be provided special attention to open wounds or lesions, especially if they have signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge or pain).
The Ministry of Health insists on the importance of observing the symptoms of people exposed to flooded areas or who have participated in cleaning tasks in the affected municipalities and going to the health point if necessary.
Mask, gloves, glasses and soap
As for the recommendations addressed to citizens, remember to wash your hands very well with soap and water, use a mask, gloves, eye protection and appropriate long-sleeved clothing when cleaning the affected areas, as well as not consume food in contact with the floors. flooded.
In addition, when cleaning houses it is recommended to open the windows and doors to ventilate, remove all wet belongings, stagnant water, mud and clay, clean the walls and floors and disinfect with bleach. On the other hand, to avoid respiratory problems, it is recommended to use portable generators or motors outside homes and garages, trying to keep them away from doors, windows or grilles of homes.
In it case of finding corpses Animals should be handled as little as possible, using the correct protective equipment. Avoid contact with body fluids and follow local council instructions for disposal.