MOHMS Permanent Secretary has announced a Leptospirosis outbreak in the West and the Central Division, and an increasing trend in the North. Water and mud contaminated by the leptospira bacteria from the urine of animals (rats, dogs and domestic animals) can pass through intact or broken skin into your bloodstream causing severe and life threatening illness.
Leptospirosis:
Symptoms -
- Fever with Chills
- Joint Pains/ Muscle Pains
- Headaches
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Leptospirosis causes a wide range of symptoms which sometimes can be confused for other diseases.
Treatment -
Intravenous Penicillin administered early is the treatment you get at your nearest health facility if you suffer from any of the above symptoms. If you present
late the prognosis is poor.
Precautions -
- PLEASE WEAR protective footwear when walking through stagnant creeks, wet areas and mud. This is especially for those who live on farms, in settlements and villages without proper footpaths and in areas where animals roam freely and where there can be cross contamination from animal urine.
- Be mindful when playing sports on muddy flood affected areas. Rat baits and traps need to be used for household rat infestation.
- Seek medical advice and early treatment if you suspect you may have symptoms of leptospirosis.
Consult your Uniclinic or your nearest Health Center for any symptoms that resemble that of Leptospirosis.
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