Experts Remember The Risk Of Leptospirosis In Children During The Rainy Season

Illustration of children playing in the rainy season (Photo: Antara)

Professor of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Prof. DR. Dr. Rini Sekartini, SPAK said that leptospirosis is one of a number of diseases that can attack children during the rainy season.

"This leptospirosis is caused by leptospira sp bacteria that can be transmitted from animals to humans or vice versa," Rini told Antara, Sunday.

He said, a number of diseases that usually appear during the rainy season include dengue hemorrhagic fever, influenza, and diarrhea.

As for the symptoms of leptospirosis, he said, namely high fever to chills, headache, muscle aches, especially in the calf area, sore throat accompanied by dry cough, red eyes and yellowing skin, nausea to vomiting and accompanied by diarrhea.

He said that the transmission most often occurs through mouse urinary which is carried away by flood water.

"So avoid children playing in flood water," he said.

Rini said, if you have the disease, the child needs to be taken to a doctor immediately to confirm his illness. The first treatment of the disease is by reducing fever or headache.

"Various symptoms of leptospirosis will usually improve in 1 week," he added.

On that occasion, Rini mentioned a number of steps to maintain the health of children during the rainy season, including maintaining personal hygiene.

"Make sure when it rains, personal hygiene and food providers must be considered. Wash your hands properly, 7 steps to wash your hands, try to use running water," he said.

In addition, the child and caregiver need to wash their hands until they are clean after defecating or urinating.

Then, he said, cleaning foodstuffs, such as vegetables, with running water, and cooking food until cooked.

"Ternal intake still pays attention to the contents of the plate. Sufficient the need for carbohydrates, fat protein and mineral vitamins," he added.

He also reminded about adequate intake of fluids that match the age of children.

"This liquid can come from food and drinks. The liquid from the drink can come from water, milk, or fruit juice," Rini explained.

In addition, giving sufficient vitamins, immunization, and adequate sleep.