Farmers told to be wary of leptospirosis

WORKING in rice paddies means regular contact with water, thus the Provincial Health Office (PHO) cautioned Ilonggo farmers of the risk of contracting leptospirosis.

Leptospirosis is caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is spread by rats as the main host, said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon of the PHO.

The bacteria enter humans through open wounds and skin cuts every time they are exposed to urine-contaminated water.

“Ang leptospira bacteria na siya, so karon kun may pilas ang tawo, hapos na siya  makakadto sa pilas basta humok kay daw may kagat na siya bala, kag ang kagat niya masulod na siya sa dugo,” she explained.

Aside from rats, the bacteria are also spread through the urine of an infected person or even cattle.

“Ang person kun diin siya mangihi kag affected siya, pwede man makalaton. Parehas na nagapangihi siya ‘ya sa talamnan, sa tarog. Tapos may mga tawo da nga farmers nga nagkadto man sa talamanan nga na, naglusong. Posible  man nga malatnan,” Quiñon said.

“Pwede man malatnan ang mga sapat, karbaw, baka. Pero sila ‘ya indi guid nga gamasakit nga tulukon pero ang ihi nila mas damo pa guid so amo na damo ang transmission, makalapta,” she added.

From January 1 to Oct. 6, 2018, the PHO recorded 127 leptospirosis cases with 11 deaths, up from 44 cases in the same period last year.

Twenty-six of the 43 municipalities in the province have recorded leptospirosis cases, based on the PHO data.

The municipality of Oton tops the list with 23 cases and three deaths, followed by Cabatuan with 15 cases and one death and Alimodian with 11 cases and two deaths.

“Farmers, amo na ang aton cases nga usual,” Quiñon noted.

Aside from the farmers, the children who play in floodwaters are also at risk.

They can get infected when urine-contaminated water gets in contact with the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth, Quiñon said.

She urged the public who were exposed to contaminated water to visit the nearest health facility and seek early management and treatment.

“Kun galusong sa tubig baha, gapanguma kaw, gilayon magkadto sa centro. May hatag kita didto nga bulong. May exposure ka lang ‘ya abi, nagsulong ka lang sa tubig baha nga wala ka man pilas, hatagan ka na sang antibiotic,” she said.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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