Leptospirosis
Flood water is not just dirty — it can be infectious.
How you get it
- Bacteria (Leptospira) from the urine of rats and other animals contaminate flood water and mud.
- They enter through cuts, scrapes, the eyes, nose or mouth — even unbroken skin after long soaking.
- Cases spike after monsoons and urban flooding; wading even briefly is the common story.
Symptoms to watch for
- Symptoms usually start 5–14 days after exposure.
- Sudden high fever with severe headache and chills.
- Severe muscle pain — especially the calves and lower back.
- Red eyes, and later yellowing of the skin (jaundice) in severe cases.
Treatment
- Tell your doctor about any flood exposure — it changes the diagnosis completely.
- Antibiotics such as doxycycline work best when started early.
- People at high exposure (rescue workers, frequent wading) may be given preventive doxycycline.
- Severe cases need hospital care for kidneys, liver and bleeding.
Prevention
- Avoid wading in flood water when there is any safe alternative.
- Wear boots and gloves if you must enter; cover wounds with waterproof dressings.
- Wash and dry thoroughly after exposure; watch yourself for two weeks.
- Control rats around the home; keep food sealed and rubbish covered.
Seek medical help urgently if
- Fever with yellowing skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Reduced or no urine output (kidney injury)
- Coughing blood or unusual bruising and bleeding
- Confusion or drowsiness — severe leptospirosis is a medical emergency
General information only — not a substitute for medical advice.