The General Directorate of Public Health reported this Friday two probable cases of leptospira in Valencia, in the absence of confirmation by the results of the corresponding analyzes. These are two people who came like youvolunteers to carry out cleaning or debris removal tasks in two municipalities in the province affected by DANA and which “present a good clinical evolution”, according to the Ministry of Health.
THE leptospirosis appears to be one of the main risks after floods. It is a bacterial disease that can be contracted through contact with floodwaters, damp soil, or sludge contaminated with urine or tissue from infected animals, with rats being the most common reservoirs.
These bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes, affecting both people living in affected areas and those involved in clean-up and rescue work. Thus, to combat this infection, there is antibiotic treatment and, clinically, the majority of cases are self-limiting, manifesting mild symptoms such as fever, general malaise and muscle pain.
They predict more cases
The infectious diseases spokesperson for the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), Javier Arranz, said that expect more cases of leptospira over the next few days in areas affected by DANA due to people’s contact with wastewater.
“Leptospirosis This is one of the infections that can be expected in flooding situations of this type. Rodent waste in stagnant water increases the likelihood of this infection, which usually appears between 7 and 14 days, or even 20 days, after its incubation period. It is therefore normal that at this moment we begin to detect cases of this type,” the expert explained in statements to Europa Press.
Symptoms to watch out for
Symptoms to be aware of include: high, persistent fever, diarrhea or vomitingsevere abdominal pain or yellowing of the skin and/or eyes.
Furthermore, it is also necessary to respect the dark urine, persistent cough, or difficulty breathingred or purple rash which may indicate bleeding under the skin, severe headache or neck stiffness, confusion, disorientation or agitation. Likewise, special attention should be paid to open wounds or lesions, especially if they show signs of infection (redness, swelling, discharge or pain).
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of observe the symptoms people exposed to flooded areas or who have participated in cleaning tasks in affected communities and go to the health point if necessary.
Mask, gloves, glasses and soap
Concerning the recommendations addressed to citizens, it is recalled wash your hands very well with soap and water, use a mask, gloveswear appropriate protective eyewear and long-sleeved clothing when cleaning affected areas, as well as not consuming food in contact with flooded floors.
Additionally, when cleaning houses it is recommended open windows and doors to ventilateremove all wet belongings, standing water, mud and slime, clean 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 grills of homes.
In the case of finding animal corpses They should be handled as little as possible, using appropriate protective equipment. Avoid contact with bodily fluids and follow local council instructions for disposal.
