Leptospirosis, of which Public Health has reported two possible cases in volunteers who help in the cleaning tasks of DANA, is an infection caused by leptospira bacteria. This can be found in fresh water contaminated by animal urine.
Leptospirosis does not spread from person to person, except in very rare cases. The infection is more common in hot climates and it happens if you consume or enter contact with contaminated water or soil.
Certain occupations such as farmers, farmers, slaughterhouse workers, hunters, veterinarians, lumberjacks, people who work in sewage, people who work in rice fields, and military personnel are risk factorsas well as freshwater swimming, canoeing, kayaking and mountain biking in warm areas; having pet dogs, domestic livestock, rainwater collection systems and infected rodents.
Symptoms may take 2 to 30 days to appear, with an average of 10 days, and include: dry cough, fever, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, chills.
Leptospirosis is treated with antibiotics and the prognosis is generally good.
To prevent this bacterial infection, it is recommended to avoid areas of standing water or flooding, especially in tropical climates. If you are exposed to a high-risk area, you should take precautions such as wearing protective clothing, shoes or boots when near water or soil contaminated with animal urine.
#leptospirosis #disease #cases #among #DANA #volunteers
