The Ministry of Health reported this Friday two probable cases of leptospira, in the absence of confirmation by the results of the corresponding analyzes, in two people who voluntarily carried out cleaning or debris removal tasks in two municipalities affected by the dana.
Both present a good clinical evolution and one of them is hospitalized, according to the Generalitat, which explains that leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be contracted through contact with flood waters, damp soil or sludge contaminated with urine or infected animal tissues. , with rats being the most common cause.
There is antibiotic treatment to combat this infection and, in most cases, mild symptoms such as fever, general malaise and muscle pain appear. Leptospirosis appears to be one of the main risks after floods. 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. However, it is not transmitted between humans.
The first risk assessment
The Ministry of Health has carried out the first assessment of the risks of infections and other diseases after the floods. The document, in which technicians from the Generalitat and the Ministry of Science also participated, establishes a “moderate” risk of leptospirosis for the population of the affected areas “since the accumulation of garbage, debris and leftover food favors an increase in rodent populations. , reservoir of the disease, thus increasing the probability of transmission. However, the impact of the disease is “low or moderate” because there is effective treatment.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of observing the symptoms of people exposed to flooded areas or who participated in cleaning tasks in affected municipalities and to go to the health point if necessary. Symptoms to be aware of include persistent high fever, severe diarrhea or vomiting, severe 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 rash that may indicate bleeding under the skin, severe headache or stiff neck, 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).
A line of funding for mental health
Minister Mónica García also announced this Friday that she is preparing a specific funding line for mental health aimed at people affected by DANA, since the psychological damage it generates can appear in different ways and become more significant as the months go by . García used his account on the social network for medium-term support.
At the same time, the ministry’s mental health commissioner sent some recommendations to mitigate, as much as possible, the emotional impact of the disaster. Among them, the population is advised not to isolate themselves and to maintain contact with their family and neighbors, while avoiding exposure to overinformation and bad information. It is also recommended to maintain routines as much as possible, establishing schedules for eating, resting and doing other activities as much as possible in order to provide “some stability in difficult times.” The ministry calls for special attention to be given to the care of children and the elderly, who are advised to provide “emotionally safe” activities and environments.
Regarding general recommendations addressed to citizens, remember to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, use a mask, gloves, protective glasses and appropriate long-sleeved clothing when cleaning affected areas, as well as not to consume food in contact with flooded water. floors. When cleaning houses, it is recommended to open windows and doors for ventilation, remove all wet belongings, standing water, mud and clay, clean walls and floors and disinfect at bleach.
