Everybody can get leptospirosis – here’s how to avoid it

MakatiMed cites simple rules to steer clear of the disease that is harmful to the kidneys These days, it only takes a bit of rain to start a...

MakatiMed cites simple rules to steer clear of the disease that is harmful to the kidneys

These days, it only takes a bit of rain to start a flood, a major inconvenience that ruins homes and properties, disrupts schools and businesses, and creates hours of standstill traffic jams. 

Alarmingly, it triggers the rise of leptospirosis. A disease caused by the bacterium Leptospira, it’s spread from floodwater containing the urine of infected dogs, rats, and farm animals into the open wound, nose, mouth, eyes, or genitals of an unsuspecting person. If diagnosed and addressed early with antibiotics, leptospirosis resolves itself in about a week. Left untreated, the disease can progress to a host of complications, particularly on the kidneys. 

“Once it enters the bloodstream, Leptospira targets the kidneys, causing their inflammation and affecting their function,” says Eladio Miguel M. Peñaranda, Jr., MD, a nephrologist from top hospital in the Philippines, Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed). “Damaged kidneys cannot process and filter waste, leading to a buildup of toxic material in the blood. Dialysis helps remove the waste when the kidneys cannot function properly.”

Despite government agencies’ repeated warnings to avoid swimming and wading in dirty floodwater, cases of leptospirosis spiked last year. According to the Department of Health, over 2,700 patients from the National Capital Region alone were diagnosed with the disease from January to October 2024, surpassing the epidemic threshold. 

“It’s the great equalizer, as it exempts no one,” Dr. Peñaranda points out. “Even the healthiest and fittest of us can get it.” Still, you can avoid it—or recover faster when diagnosed—by keeping certain things in mind. 

MakatiMed warns against exposing yourself to floodwater. “Some commuters say they are forced to wade through floodwater to get to work or go home. If you must, wear protective gear like rubber boots,” Dr. Peñaranda advises. “If you don’t have a choice, wash your feet, legs, hands, and face with soap and clean water. Apply an antiseptic on any cuts or wounds that you may have.” Clothes and shoes that have been soaked in floodwater need to be detergent-washed and sun-dried to kill the bacteria.

It takes 2-14 days for signs of leptospirosis to appear so monitor for symptoms. “Among the classic symptoms are fever, headaches, vomiting, muscle pain in the calves and back, abdominal pain, red eyes, yellowish skin, and reduced or dark-colored urine,” explains Dr. Peñaranda. See your doctor immediately as soon as these signs appear so treatment can begin. A blood and urine test can determine the presence of Leptospira in your system.

“While it’s true that anyone can get leptospirosis, having a strong immune system can help fight infection better,” says Dr. Peñaranda. “Eat a balanced diet, get enough sleep, exercise regularly. These healthy habits help stave off other diseases too.” 

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.