CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – As heavy rains continue to batter Luzon and inundate several areas of Mindoro, health officials are urging Mindoreños to take precautions against leptospirosis, a potentially deadly bacterial infection often spread through contaminated floodwaters.

The Provincial Health Office of Oriental Mindoro issued an advisory Thursday (July 25) reminding the public that leptospirosis can be contracted not only from rat urine, but from various sources of contaminated water.

“Maintaining a clean environment is our primary defense against this disease,” said a Department of Health (DOH) official in a separate advisory from DOH Manila. “We must all work together to reduce the risk in our communities.”

The bacteria that cause leptospirosis can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the eyes, nose and mouth.

Symptoms typically appear 5-14 days after exposure and may include fever, chills, headache, muscle pain, and vomiting.

Health officials advise residents to avoid wading in floodwaters whenever possible.

If exposure cannot be avoided, they recommend wearing boots and gloves for protection. Other preventive measures include:

• Properly disposing of garbage to control rodent populations
• Maintaining cleanliness of homes and surroundings
• Washing thoroughly with soap and clean water after potential exposure

The advisory also reminds residents to be vigilant for signs of other rainy season illnesses like dengue fever. The “5S Strategy” against dengue continues to be promoted, focusing on searching and destroying mosquito breeding sites.

“With the ongoing rains, we must stay alert to multiple health threats,” the DOH said. “By working together and following these guidelines, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones.”

Residents experiencing fever for more than two days are urged to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest health facility.

For more information on leptospirosis prevention, visit www.doh.gov.ph or contact the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Health Office.