- The Valencian authorities anticipate that more cases could be detected in the coming days due to the cleaning and rescue work.
The Ministry of Health of Valencia, in Spain, warned about the possible risks faced by the populations affected by the floods caused due to the passage of the Isolated Depression at High Levels (DANA)registered since Tuesday, October 29.
Javier Arranz, spokesperson for Infectious Diseases of the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine (semFYC), indicated on Friday, November 9, the detection of two suspected cases of leptospirosis in volunteers who participated in the cleaning work.
According to the official report, the two people are showing good clinical progress and one of them is admitted to a hospital. However, the health spokesperson does not rule out that more cases will be detected in the coming days because the disease is considered “foreseeable” when this type of natural disaster occurs.
What is leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria Leptospira. It is a zoonosis, meaning it is transmitted from animals to humans and human-to-human transmission is rare.
In the case of the floods in Valencia, the chances of infection have increased due to people’s contact with sewage, wet soil and mud contaminated with urine from infected animals.
These bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucosal lesions, affecting both people who live in the affected areas and those involved in cleaning and rescue work.
This disease needs monitoring and care, although only 10% of cases present health complications.
What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?
– Fever and general malaise
– Muscle pain
– Conjunctivitis and in some cases jaundice.
What is jaundice?
It is a condition that causes the skin and white parts of the eyes to turn yellow. This coloration occurs due to an excess of bilirubin in the blood.
Health authorities urged the population to go to a health center for an evaluation and diagnosis in the presence of any symptoms.
More than 200 people died in Spain due to the floods caused by DANA
The number of victims due to the passage of DANA in the Valencian Community increased to 212, according to the latest balance provided by the authorities for November 8.
Of this total of fatalities, 211 have already had an autopsy and 183 are fully identified (147 by fingerprints, 34 by DNA and 2 by hospital identification while alive), while 29 bodies remain unidentified.
The offices of the National Police and the Civil Guard, in collaboration with forensic doctors, currently have 50 active files for disappearance reports, which implies a decrease of 28 cases compared to the previous day’s balance, due to the increase in identifications among the deceased. and locations of living people.
The authorities estimate that active disappearance files may increase or decrease depending on the new identifications that may occur among the existing deceased, the increase in disappearance reports or the location of living people.
On the other hand, volunteers, soldiers and firefighters continue working in Paiporta, Chiva and Utiel, three of the communities most affected by the floods. The groups They advance through rubble and access areas full of mud in search of possible victims.
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**Interviewer:** Today, we are joined by Javier Arranz, spokesperson for Infectious Diseases of the Spanish Society of Family and Community Medicine, to discuss the recent flooding in Valencia and the potential health risks that have emerged in the aftermath. Javier, thank you for being here.
**Javier Arranz:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** To start, can you explain what specific health risks the residents and volunteers are facing in the wake of the recent flooding?
**Javier Arranz:** Certainly. After the flooding caused by the Isolated Depression at High Levels, or DANA, there is an increased risk of infections such as leptospirosis. This disease is caused by the bacteria *Leptospira*, which can be found in contaminated water or soil—as is often the case after severe flooding.
**Interviewer:** We’ve heard reports of suspected leptospirosis cases among volunteers involved in the cleanup efforts. Can you tell us more about this?
**Javier Arranz:** Yes, we have detected two suspected cases of leptospirosis in volunteers who participated in the cleaning activities. Fortunately, both individuals are showing good clinical progress, although one has been admitted to the hospital for observation. However, given the conditions, we anticipate that more cases could surface in the coming days.
**Interviewer:** What types of symptoms should people be aware of concerning leptospirosis?
**Javier Arranz:** The symptoms can vary, but individuals may experience fever, general malaise, muscle pain, and in some cases, conjunctivitis or jaundice. If anyone in the affected areas starts to show these symptoms, it’s crucial that they seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.
**Interviewer:** Given the current circumstances, what precautions can residents take to protect themselves?
**Javier Arranz:** Residents should avoid direct contact with potentially contaminated water, use protective gear when cleaning flood-affected areas, and stay vigilant for any signs of illness. Additionally, we strongly encourage anyone experiencing symptoms to visit a health center for assessment.
**Interviewer:** how can the community come together during this challenging time to mitigate these risks?
**Javier Arranz:** It’s essential that the community remains informed and takes the recommended preventive measures seriously. Support for each other, both emotionally and through volunteering efforts in safe ways, is crucial. Together, we can navigate this difficult situation more effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Javier, for your insights and recommendations regarding this pressing public health issue. Your expertise is invaluable during these challenging times.
**Javier Arranz:** Thank you for spreading awareness, and let’s hope for a swift recovery for all affected.