2023-10-30 21:46:17
After the passage of hurricane Otis on the Mexican coast, the images of the devastation in Acapulco not only shake our hearts. Turn on the alerts! Since after this type of disaster, the population can be threatened by a dangerous infection: leptospirosis. What happens if a person gets leptospirosis?
The shortage of basic foods and the excessive proliferation of insects are some of the challenges that people face after a flood or hurricane. However, it is not the only threat, since the disease lurks.
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What is leptospirosis?
Although little known, it is one of the most frequent dangers that an individual can face in the event of natural disasters of this type. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe leptospirosis as a bacterial disease.
This infection can cause serious problems, such as kidney or liver failure (total or partial damage to these organs that may be irreversible), in addition to meningitis, difficulty breathing and bleeding.
The main reason it is a more common hazard after a hurricane is that people, out of necessity, drink or bathe in contaminated water.
Why is leptospirosis so dangerous?
The main reason is its form of contagion, which not only occurs through water, but also through contaminated land. If you have contact with the urine of a infected animal (rodents, dogs or livestock), the bacteria can enter the body.
The greatest danger is that this bacteria can survive for weeks or months in water or on the ground after an animal has urinated. The resistance of the source of contagion makes it highly dangerous.
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What does a person feel when they become infected with leptospirosis?
During the first 5 to 14 days after contact with bacteria, the person may feel normal. However, after that period, he will begin to experience the typical symptoms of a cold:
Headache.Red eyes.Fever.Muscle pains.Vomiting.Diarrhea.Cough.
This is just the beginning. If the person infected If you do not receive appropriate treatment from the beginning, which usually involves the use of antibiotics, it is very likely that your symptoms will worsen, as the infection will have begun to damage organs, For example:
Abdominal pain.Rash.Jaundice, that is, the skin and eyes take on a yellow tone.
What makes you more vulnerable to contracting leptospirosis?
In essence, what makes you more vulnerable is being near a flood, a river, a stream or on land affected by a hurricane. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid some actions or exercise caution with the following:
Boil water or use a chemical treatment to kill as much bacteria as possible.Cover any cuts or lesions where the skin is open.Try to avoid walking or submerging yourself in flood water.Wear clothing and shoes that fit you protect from water.
leptospirosis It is an infection that can devastate the health of people who find themselves living in the midst of already difficult natural disasters. Take care, plan and support!
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