New information from close reliable medical sources confirm that the Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) outbreak in Puerto Rico is worse than what the government is reporting. Medical staff of a Hospital in Ponce has confirmed 12 cases of the bacterial disease, including a pregnant woman, and that’s just from 1 of the 72 medical facilities currently operating in the island.
The Dept of Health says at least 4 people have died, and 10 other cases are confirmed by the government, which is being negligent informing the public about the truth of the outbreak and is now trying to educate the people on how to prevent infection. The lack of power in water treatment plants, dead animals, flooding and clogged storm drains are making the outbreak even worse.
You can contract this bacteria it if you come into contact with the urine, blood, or tissue of animals or rodents that are infected with the bacteria. These may include:
- cattle
- pigs
- dogs
- rats
You can also contract it from contact with contaminated soil or water, which is the most probable cause in Puerto Rico as people are bathing and doing laundry in rivers, canals and lakes where untreated waste water is being dumped. Leptospirosis typically causes mild flu-like symptoms, such as headache and chills. If the bacteria infect some specific organs, there may be a more severe reaction. These organs include:
- liver
- kidneys
- lungs
- heart
- brain
This reaction is known as Weil’s disease. In some cases, it can lead to organ failure and death. If you’re diagnosed with leptospirosis, your doctor will prescribe a course of antibiotics to treat it. But if you develop Weil’s disease, you may need to be admitted to a hospital for extra care.
