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How to Prevent Leptospirosis

Posted by

ridpest

April 5, 2023

On December 30, 2021

Flooding after heavy rainfall can have a serious impact on human health as it creates a suitable environment for water-borne diseases to spread which includes Leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can infect humans via contaminated water. It is also present in the urine of infected mammals such as:

Cattle
Pigs
Horses

Rodents
Dogs
Wild animals

Humans can be infected with leptospirosis by:

Coming into contact with flood water, contaminated fresh water sources (rivers and streams) or soil
Drinking and eating food that has been exposed to contaminated water

How to Avoid Leptospirosis

Do not wade, swim, bathe, submerge your head in, or swallow flood water
Wear water-proof & protective clothing, shoes or boots when near flood water
Cover cuts or abrasions with water-proof bandages or other coverings that seal the wound against water

The Symptoms

Headaches
Muscle aches
Fever and chills
Skin rash

Conjunctivitis
Cough
Stomach/abdominal pains

How to Treat Leptospirosis

If you have symptoms of leptospirosis, contact a doctor right away. Leptospirosis can cause complications such as kidney & liver failure, meningitis, difficulty breathing and infected persons may even die because of the infection.

The sooner treatment can be administered, the more effective the treatment can be so it is advisable to seek medical attention immediately should you or a loved one demonstrate any of the symptoms that has been described.

If you have a rat infestation problem because of the recent floods, get in touch with us here at Ridpest.

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