2023-12-01 03:51:45
There is concern in the city of Cartagena about the increase in cases of leptospirosis, a disease that is transmitted by rat urine and already leaves fatal victims.
According to data from the District Administrative Department of Health (DADIS), during this year 255 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded until epidemiological week 44, although several of these are suspicious and have not been officially confirmed.
This disease is caused by rat urine. | Photo: Getty Images
This situation has set off the alarms of the authorities, since the number of people who would have this disease doubles compared to 2022, when 113 suspected cases were presented.
In fact, in the last few hours DADIS confirmed that a 17-year-old boy died, apparently as a result of contracting leptospirosis.
According to the health authority, the teenager had to be admitted to a medical center, where he finally died after being hospitalized for a time. At the moment, it is believed that he died as a result of this disease, although laboratory results are awaited for confirmation.
During this year, the death of an older adult as a result of this disease had already been confirmed and other cases of this type remain under review until the cause of death is determined.
What is leptospirosis?
Many of the cases are suspicious. | Photo: Getty Images
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease (transmitted by animals such as rodents, dogs, cats, etc.) that can affect people. It is acquired through direct contact with urine or with water contaminated by the urine of animals infected by a bacteria called leptospira, which enters the body through the skin, mucous membranes and sometimes orally. Human-to-human transmission occurs very rarely.
recommendations
For this reason, the following recommendations must be taken into account:
Do not walk barefoot in stagnant flood water. Do not eat food that has been uncovered overnight. Keep homes clean. Drain stagnant water in yards. Do not handle flood mud, wear gloves and boots if you do.
This disease can be transmitted through water. | Photo: Getty Images
The most frequent symptoms
Conjunctival injection (red eyes)In some cases jaundice (yellowing of the skin) may occur.
Although the majority present only fever, some may present severe symptoms due to damage to the kidneys, liver, brain and lungs. Therefore, it is very important that at the first symptoms you go to a health institution so that an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment can be made.
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