Concern in Córdoba due to the death of two people from leptospirosis

The death of two people from leptospirosisa disease caused by a bacteria that can be found in the urine of certain animals, generates concern in the province of Cordova. Both cases were recorded in the town of Pasco and the patients were work relatedas reported by the Cordoban Ministry of Health.

Although both suspected cases were confirmed simultaneously by the Zoonoses Department of the Epidemiology Jurisdiction Directorate of that provincial portfolio, the deaths occurred a few days apart.

The first death resulting from the disease, caused by a bacteria that survives in humid places protected from light, took place a few weeks ago, but was confirmed last Tuesday, and the The victim was a 51-year-old man..

For its part, the other subject, 63 and with whom shared tasks of milking and handling other animals like pigs and sheep in a dairy farm in the town located in the General San Martín department, he remained hospitalized in another health center with similar symptoms and with respiratory assistance. His death was confirmed on the last day.

As a result of these two cases, an investigation was launched to try to establish the origin of the infection.

What is leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a bacteria that may be present in the urine of certain animalss such as rodents, dogs, cows, pigs, horses and wild animals.

How is leptospirosis transmitted?

Contagion occurs through direct or indirect contact with urine from an infected animal.

“Since the bacteria survives in humid places protected from light, the risk of contracting it increases if floods occur or when carrying out recreational activities in rivers, lakes, ponds, streams (such as swimming, fishing, camping, or water sports). “warns the Ministry of Health of the Nation.

What are the symptoms of leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis initially manifests as a flu-like illness with fever, headache, muscle aches and general malaise.

“Then a second phase of greater severity may occur,” warns the health portfolio. The two phases of the disease are septicemic and immune.

The septicemic phase It begins abruptly with severe headaches and muscle aches, high fever, chills, cough, sore throat, conjunctival suffusion (redness of the conjunctiva of the eyes), and sometimes hemoptysis (blood when coughed or spit). This phase lasts 4 to 9 days, states the MSD Manual.

Meanwhile, the immune phase It occurs between days 6 and 12 of the disease, “when antibodies appear in the serum; fever and other symptoms may reappear, and some patients develop meningitis.”

“Weil syndrome is a more severe form, with jaundice and generally azotemia (elevated levels of urea and other nitrogen compounds in the blood), anemia, altered consciousness and, sometimes, hemorrhagic manifestations.”

What is the treatment for leptospirosis?

Treatment includes use of antibiotics, and it is more effective when it is administered from the first week after the onset of symptoms, they highlight. Depending on the severity, it can be oral or intravenous.

In some cases, the management of a patient with severe leptospirosis requires admission to the intensive care unit.

How is leptospirosis prevented?

• Avoiding immersion in potentially contaminated stagnant water, and ensuring that children do not play in puddles or mud.

• Fighting rodents – the main agents of contagion – in homes and surrounding areas.

• Using gloves and rubber boots to carry out rat control, weeding or cleaning vacant lots.

• Keeping yards and grounds free of trash, debris and anything that could be a refuge for rodents.

In rural areas:

• If abortions occur in production animals, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.

• It is important to always wear shoes when walking on wet ground, gloves and high boots in flooded areas or when crossing standing water.

• Wear gloves when carrying out weeding and harvesting tasks.

• In endemic areas, vaccinate dogs and cows.

IS