Leptospirosis Symptoms Can Appear Weeks After Flood Exposure, Expert Warns
Filipinos who waded through recent floodwaters should stay alert for weeks, as leptospirosis symptoms may not appear until three weeks after exposure. Dr. Rontgene Solante, head of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Department at San Lazaro Hospital, issued the warning on Sunday as the country braces for more cases following days of Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) flooding.
Why early treatment is critical for leptospirosis
Solante explained that most casualties are patients who arrive at the hospital with severe infections. By that point, the disease has already damaged the kidneys and lungs, making recovery difficult.
“What is the common casualty? Number one, when they enter the hospital, the leptospirosis is already severe. Second, when it's already severe, the kidneys are affected, the lungs are affected, and it becomes quite difficult to reverse,” he said in an interview with Super Radyo dzBB.
The doctor stressed that anyone with a fever and a history of wading in floodwater should seek medical attention within seven days of symptoms starting. Even if symptoms appear later, treatment should begin immediately.
“That's why our constant advice is, once you have that onset of fever and you really have a history of wading in floodwaters, within the past seven days from the start of the symptom, seek medical attention. Even after three weeks, you can still develop symptoms,” he added.
How leptospirosis spreads and what symptoms to watch for
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection carried by animals, particularly rodents. Infected rat urine mixes with floodwater during heavy rains, and the bacteria enter the human body through open wounds, the eyes, or the mouth.
Common symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headaches. In severe cases, patients may develop yellowish skin discoloration, dark urine, light-colored stools, and reduced urine output.
Solante urged the public not to delay seeking help, even if symptoms seem mild at first.
“Don't delay. Even in the first 24 or 48 hours, once you have symptoms, seek medical attention,” he warned.
San Lazaro Hospital reports deaths and rising admissions
San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has recorded three leptospirosis deaths since August 10. The hospital currently treats 60 patients, including 22 new admissions and 19 in severe condition. Most of those infected had waded through floodwaters.
Solante expects more patients in the coming weeks because the incubation period can reach two weeks from exposure.
“We are expecting this week that we will get more patients because of the incubation period, which can be as high as two weeks from exposure,” he said.
What to do after exposure to floodwater
Health authorities recommend washing the body thoroughly with soap and water immediately after any contact with floodwater. They also advise visiting a doctor promptly for preventive medication, known as prophylaxis, especially in areas where flooding has been severe.
For rural communities and provinces hit by the Habagat, local health centers should be the first stop for anyone showing symptoms. Early intervention remains the best defense against this potentially fatal disease.