Let's learn more about Leptospirosis, which comes with the rains.

When the rainy season begins, one fear that comes to our mind is ' leptospirosis '. Even if someone in the house has a high fever or starts to feel sick, we get worried. "Is this a common cold or leptospirosis?" we wonder. This is actually a reasonable fear. Because leptospirosis is a disease that can be dangerous if not treated properly. So today, let's talk about exactly what leptospirosis is, how it develops, what are the symptoms, and most importantly, how can we protect ourselves from it.

What is Leptospirosis?

Simply put, leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted from animals to humans. It is caused by a bacterium called `(Leptospira)`. This bacterium lives in the kidneys of animals, especially rats, dogs, and farm animals like cows. These animals may not have any symptoms, but they can be carriers of the disease. When these animals urinate, the bacteria in that urine gets into the soil and water. Imagine a rat urinating in a muddy puddle in your garden. If you walk barefoot in that water, even a small scratch on your leg can get this bacteria into your body. Not only that, but this disease can also be transmitted if the dirty water enters your body through your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Who is most at risk of contracting the disease?

Although anyone can develop this disease, some people are at higher risk. Especially those who spend time with animals or outdoors, in fields, or near water.

• Farmers: Because they are constantly dealing with muddy water when working in the fields.
• Veterinarians: Because they work with animals all the time.
• Drain cleaners and miners: Because they are exposed to dirty water and soil.
• People living in flood-prone areas: Because during floods, dirty water fills everywhere.
• People who work in animal shelters.

It is very rare for this disease to be transmitted from person to person, but there is a very small chance of transmission through sexual contact or breastfeeding.

Symptoms and two stages of rat fever

Symptoms of dengue fever appear within a few days to two weeks after the bacteria enter the body. Sometimes symptoms can go on for up to a month. There are two main stages of the disease. Let's look at it this way to make it easier to understand. Since these symptoms are similar to other diseases such as dengue and influenza, it is very important to see a doctor immediately rather than trying to diagnose the disease yourself .

Diagnosis and treatment

When you see a doctor, he or she will ask about your symptoms and any risk factors you may have been exposed to (e.g., have you worked in the fields or been in a flood) and then order several tests to confirm the diagnosis.

• Blood tests: This is the most important test. It checks for (antibodies) that your body makes against the bacteria.
• Urine tests: Check for bacteria in the urine.
• Other tests: If the disease is severe, a chest X-ray or CT scan may be needed to see if there is organ damage.

Because rat fever is a bacterial infection, it is treated with antibiotics (e.g., Doxycycline , Penicillin). In a normal case of rat fever, you can recover by taking the medicine prescribed by the doctor and resting. However, patients in severe cases may need to be hospitalized, given intravenous antibiotics, and treated for complications such as kidney failure. At such times, you may be admitted to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).

Most importantly: How to protect yourself from rat fever?

"It's better to prevent a disease than to treat it," they say. That saying is absolutely true for the flu. If we follow these simple steps, we can avoid a great deal of risk.

• Avoid dirty water: Whenever possible, avoid swimming or playing in dirty water, such as muddy water, drain water, or floodwater.
• Wear safe footwear: If you must go through a field, swamp, or flood, be sure to wear safe footwear, such as knee-high boots .
• Cover wounds: Do not immerse yourself in dirty water unless you have a waterproof plaster to cover any scratches or wounds on your body.
• Control rats: Keep your home and surroundings clean. Keep food items well covered. This way you can control rats from coming into your home.
• Take care of your pets: Give your pet the rabies vaccine as directed by your veterinarian.
• Drink clean water: Avoid drinking water from unknown sources. Always drink boiled or bottled water.

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