In the Lviv region, a man was hospitalized in intensive care with leptospirosis: how to protect yourself from the disease
Kyiv • UNN
The third case of leptospirosis due to water was recorded in the Lviv region, the patient is in intensive care. There is also a case in the Poltava region. It is important to avoid infected bodies of water and vaccinate animals.
A new, third case of leptospirosis this year has been registered in the Lviv region due to the consumption of infected water. The man ended up in intensive care. Another case was registered in the Poltava region this week. This is reported by UNN with reference to regional centers for disease control and prevention.
Details
The Lviv Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the pathogen probably entered the man's body when he consumed water from non-centralized water supply sources. At the end of March, he developed the first symptoms: loss of consciousness, gastrointestinal disorders, jaundice, and pain in the calf muscles.
"The patient is currently in the intensive care unit of one of the region's medical facilities," doctors said.
Another infected person was reported by the Poltava Regional Center for Disease Control and Prevention, noting that the person called an ambulance.
Leptospirosis is a dangerous infectious disease transmitted from infected animals through water. It can lead to kidney and liver damage, meningitis, and even death.
Ways of contracting leptospirosis
The main causative agent of leptospirosis is the bacterium Leptospira, which enters the water with the urine of infected animals. It can enter the human body through cracks, cuts, or other wounds on the skin. In some cases, the bacterium can also penetrate through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth. Leptospirosis is not transmitted from person to person.
Infection most often occurs during swimming and fishing in infected waters, drinking raw water from natural sources.
You can also get an infection during haymaking in wet areas, working in the garden and caring for infected animals. Most often, rodents, dogs, livestock and wild animals become carriers of the bacteria. The latter two are even more worrying because sometimes you can catch the bacteria by eating contaminated food (meat, milk).
Symptoms of leptospirosis
Symptoms of leptospirosis are similar to those of the flu or COVID-19. These include high fever, headache, and chills. Muscle pain, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. In some cases, the disease is accompanied by red eyes or jaundice and rash.
If you experience similar symptoms, especially if they appeared after contact with potentially contaminated water or animals, you should immediately consult a doctor or call an ambulance. Treatment for leptospirosis should be started immediately, as the disease progresses rapidly and causes complications. And sometimes even death.
Groups at increased risk of leptospirosis include farm workers, veterinarians, pet store owners, field agricultural workers, plumbers, meat and fish processing workers, etc.
The Center for Public Health explained how to protect yourself from leptospirosis:
- avoid infected waters: do not swim or fish in waters where potentially infected animals may be present;
- vaccinate animals: domestic and farm animals must be vaccinated against leptospirosis;
- avoid contact with sick animals: do not touch infected animals and observe safety measures when caring for them;
- wear gloves and closed shoes when working in the garden and walking in the forest;
- destroy rodents at home: carry out deratization in your home, protect water sources and food from contamination by rodent waste;
- heat treat animal products.