What You Need to Know About Leptospirosis
- Doctor Anywhere Team
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
In the Philippines, leptospirosis becomes a serious health concern, especially during the wet months. Leptospirosis is a potentially life-threatening bacterial infection that’s often contracted after exposure to floodwaters contaminated by animal urine, particularly from rats.
To help shed light on the disease, we sat down with Dr. Jahara Cumla, a general practitioner at Doctor Anywhere, who shared her insights on leptospirosis, how it spreads, the symptoms to watch out for, and how to protect ourselves and our families during the rainy season.
What is Leptospirosis?
“Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by spirochete bacteria, Leptospira,” explains Dr. Jahara. “It is spread through the urine of infected animals, primarily rodents, and in our country, rats.”
People can get infected when they come into contact with contaminated water or soil, especially during floods. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or even mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, and mouth.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), leptospirosis is a global public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas where sanitation may be limited and rodent control is a challenge. In the Philippines, cases spike during the rainy season when flooding is frequent.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Leptospirosis?
After wading through floodwaters, it’s important to monitor for any signs of infection. Dr. Jahara says the early symptoms typically appear 5 to 14 days after exposure, but the window can be as wide as 2 to 30 days.
“Early symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, especially in the calves and the back, and red eyes.” Dr. Jahara adds that others may also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
These symptoms are often mistaken for the flu or dengue, which makes early consultation with a doctor crucial, especially if you’ve had recent exposure to floodwater.
How to Prevent Leptospirosis?
Prevention is still the best cure, and with leptospirosis, a few practical steps can go a long way.
“To avoid leptospirosis, especially during floods, we have to prioritize avoiding contact with contaminated water, soil, and animal urine. Wear protective clothing and footwear when wading in flood waters and practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly,” Dr. Jahara advises.
Debunking Common Leptospirosis Myths
Despite increasing awareness, myths about leptospirosis still circulate, some of which could lead to unsafe behavior. Dr. Jahara helped clarify the facts:
Myth 1: You can only get leptospirosis if you have an open wound.
“That’s partially true but incomplete,” she explains. “The bacteria can enter the body through mucous membranes like the eyes, nose, and the mouth, even without visible cuts.”
Myth 2: Wearing boots means you’re completely safe from leptospirosis.
“Wearing boots significantly reduces the risk, but it doesn’t offer 100% protection. The bacteria can still enter through your face’s mucous membranes,” says Dr. Jahara.
Myth 3: You can treat leptospirosis at home with antibiotics.
“Yes, but it depends on your symptoms,” she clarifies. “If you have mild symptoms, you can take oral medications at home, but monitoring and follow-up checkups are still important. If the symptoms progress, treatment in a hospital may be necessary.”
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect that you or a family member may have been exposed to leptospirosis, especially if flu-like symptoms begin to develop, do not self-diagnose. Early detection can prevent complications such as kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and even death.
Per the Mayo Clinic, untreated leptospirosis can lead to severe illness and long-term health problems. That’s why it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider right away, especially after potential exposure.
Leptospirosis is preventable, but it requires awareness and vigilance, especially in our country, where floods are a seasonal reality. If you’ve had contact with floodwaters or suspect symptoms of leptospirosis, Doctor Anywhere’s team of licensed physicians is just a few taps away via the Doctor Anywhere app. You can use the Doctor Anywhere app to video consult our 24/7 primary care physicians. They are available on-demand with a 5-minute or less waiting time, even on holidays. Our specialists, such as an infectious disease specialist, are also available daily by appointment for online consultations.
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Sources:
1. Dr. Cumla, Jahara Nuwnah. Interviewed on 29 April 2025.
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