Rat Fever: Common Disease in Rainy Season that You Must Be Aware of

During the rainy season, there are so many threats to your health. Especially as flood water cannot be drained swiftly, the risks are greater.  Leptospirosis in particular, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.  So, it is prudent to be aware of its risks and symptoms.  If you notice any sign of the disease, please consult a doctor promptly for treatment before it has become too severe.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis, sometimes known as “rat fever”, is caused by a type of bacteria in the urine of animal carriers – such as rat, dog, pig, horse, etc. – that has seeped into the flood water.  It spreads into human’s body via an open wound or a scratch, if the person has to wade through or spends a lot of time in the water.  Other avenues may include eyes, nose as well as mouth.  If left untreated promptly, there is a risk of severe complications that can be fatal.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis.

• High fever
• Headache
• Muscles or joints aches
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Red eye, irritated eye
• Jaundice (yellow skins and eyes)

Leptospirosis Diagnosis

An interesting condition of Leptospirosis is that the symptom is similar to a cold.  Its sufferers usually simply buy some medicines themselves, instead of consulting a doctor quickly.  This allows the symptoms to become more serious.  Therefore, if you notice any of the symptoms, it is vital that you visit a doctor promptly.  Your doctor may check your medical history, order blood and urine tests along with other diagnoses as necessary (e.g., x-ray, etc.); to ascertain the sickness and lead to the proper treatment.

Leptospirosis Treatment

For Leptospirosis, the doctor will base the treatment principally on the symptoms and severity, which generally involves antibiotic together with other types of remedy for the conditions.  The patient will need to take medication completely as the doctor has prescribed – not only to be cured of the disease, but also to prevent its recurrence.  For a severe case, hospitalization and intravenous antibiotic may be required; or if some other organs are damaged, additional equipment and devices may be applied – e.g., dialysis for damaged kidneys.

Complications from Leptospirosis

• Acute kidney failure
• Pulmonary hemorrhage 
• Thrombocytopenia
• Liver failure
• Rhabdomyolysis of the heart muscle
• Blood clot
• Hypotension

Leptospirosis Prevention

• Avoid wading through flood water or mud as it may have been soiled by the disease carriers.
• Wear boots if it is necessary to wade through flood water.
• Protect any wound from polluted water.
• Take a thorough shower and get dry promptly after having any contact with possibly contaminated water.

Though Leptospirosis is treatable, it can also be fatal.  The most important thing is prevention. So, if you notice an unusual symptom, you must consult a doctor immediately.