21/11/2025
How Leptospirosis Enters the Body
Leptospira bacteria can enter through:
✔ Broken skin
✔ Scratches, cuts, or wounds
✔ Soft/wet mucous membranes such as the:
*Eyes 👀
*Nose 👃
*Mouth 👄
Ge****ls (va**na, urethra, fo****in opening, g***s)
So even without visible wounds, if floodwater is contaminated with rat urine (very common in the Philippines after flooding), the bacteria can enter through the mucosal lining of the va**na or p***s.
Why the Ge***al Area Is a Possible Entry Point
The va**na and the urethral opening are lined with mucous membranes, which are:
*Thin
*Moist
*Highly absorbent
Unlike normal skin, these membranes do not protect well against bacteria and chemicals.
So if the water level reached your private parts, especially for minutes or hours, there is a possible exposure.
Factors That Increase Risk
Higher risk if:
🔸 Floodwater exposure lasted more than 30 minutes
🔸 You had sexual activity after exposure
🔸 You have irritation (itching, redness, friction, UTI symptoms)
🔸 You had wet underwear for many hours
🔸 You entered water with known presence of rats or garbage
Signs and Symptoms of Leptospirosis
Symptoms usually appear 5–14 days after exposure (sometimes as early as 2 days, or as late as 30):
⚠ Watch for:
*Sudden fever
*Headache
*Eye redness (bloodshot eyes)
*Muscle pain (especially calves or lower back)
*Dizziness or fatigue
*Nausea or vomiting
*Dark urine or reduced urination
Severe cases can lead to kidney failure or bleeding problems, so early monitoring is important.
Should You Take Prophylaxis?
If you were in floodwater above the ge***al area, most doctors in the Philippines recommend preventive treatment — especially if exposure lasted more than 30 minutes.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, the medication is different — so you'd need medical evaluation.
What You Should Do Now
✔ Wash thoroughly with soap and clean water
✔ Monitor yourself for symptoms for 2 weeks
✔ Consider going to a clinic or doctor for prophylaxis if exposure was significant
If symptoms appear — go to the hospital immediately. Early treatment makes leptospirosis much less dangerous.
Summary
Situation Risk Level
Water below knees, no wounds: Low
Water waist- to stomach-level (touching ge***als), no wounds: Moderate risk
Ge***al mucosa exposed for long duration: Moderate-high risk
Any symptoms appear after exposure Emergency evaluation needed (c) chatgpt
WATCH FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS SYMPTOMS AFTER FLOODS
The Cebu Provincial Government has warned residents, especially those affected by the recent flooding triggered by Typhoon Tino, to stay alert for symptoms of leptospirosis and seek immediate medical attention if they experience any signs of the disease.
In a statement released by the Cebu Province Public Information Office on Monday, November 17, 2025, the public was advised to watch for fever, body aches, headaches, stomach pain, skin rashes, red eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea, which are common warning signs of leptospirosis.
The Province also reminded individuals who waded through floodwaters not to delay consultation and to proceed to the nearest health facility once symptoms appear.
It further emphasized the importance of early detection and treatment, urging everyone to remain cautious as post-flood infection risks remain high.
“Mag-amping tang tanan,” the Province said in its statement. | via CDF
📷Cebu Province PIO
