The rainy season brings cooler air, greener surroundings, and the relief of rain after months of intense heat. However, it also brings with it health risks that can easily be overlooked — most notably, leptospirosis and dengue. These diseases thrive during wet months and can lead to serious complications, even death, if not prevented or treated early.

Both leptospirosis and dengue are preventable. With proper knowledge and community effort, families can stay safe and healthy throughout the rainy season. This blog will guide you on how to identify symptoms, understand the risks, and most importantly, prevent the spread of these two dangerous diseases.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through the urine of infected animals, especially rats. When floodwaters mix with contaminated animal waste, people wading through them risk being infected through open wounds, eyes, nose, or mouth.

🔍 Symptoms of Leptospirosis:

High fever

Headache and muscle pain

Vomiting

Red eyes

Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)

Abdominal pain and diarrhea

Left untreated, it can lead to kidney or liver failure, meningitis, or even death.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, which becomes more common during the rainy season.

🔍 Symptoms of Dengue:

Sudden high fever

Severe headaches and eye pain

Skin rash

Joint and muscle pain (a.k.a. “breakbone fever”)

Nausea and vomiting

Bleeding (from nose, gums, or bruising)

Severe dengue, also called dengue hemorrhagic fever, can lead to shock and internal bleeding.

Rainy Season = High Risk

Floods, poor drainage, stagnant water, and unsanitary conditions all increase during tag-ulan, making our communities vulnerable to these diseases. That’s why prevention is key. Below are practical, doable tips to safeguard your home and health.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis

1. Avoid Walking in Floodwaters

If you can, stay indoors during heavy rain and flooding. Avoid contact with floodwater, especially if you have cuts or wounds. If walking through floods is unavoidable, wear rubber boots.

2. Wear Protective Gear

Use waterproof boots, gloves, and raincoats when cleaning up flooded areas or working outdoors.

3. Disinfect Surfaces

Clean any surface that has come into contact with floodwater using a bleach-water solution (1 part bleach to 10 parts water).

4. Keep Surroundings Clean

Control rat populations by maintaining cleanliness inside and outside the home. Store food properly, cover garbage bins, and seal holes in walls or flooring.

5. Seek Medical Help Immediately

If you have symptoms and know you’ve been exposed to floodwaters, consult a health worker right away. Early treatment with antibiotics can prevent serious complications.

How to Prevent Dengue

1. Destroy Mosquito Breeding Sites

Empty and clean water containers regularly (flower vases, buckets, tires, plant saucers).

Turn over containers when not in use.

Clean clogged gutters and drains.

2. Use Mosquito Screens and Nets

Install screen windows and doors, and sleep under mosquito nets — especially if someone in the household has a fever.

3. Apply Mosquito Repellent

Use safe repellents on exposed skin and clothing, especially during early morning and late afternoon when dengue mosquitoes are most active.

4. Wear Protective Clothing

Long sleeves, pants, and socks help reduce skin exposure to mosquito bites.

5. Participate in Community Clean-Ups

Join or organize local clean-up drives to eliminate public breeding grounds. Dengue prevention is a community effort.

What to Do if Symptoms Appear

Whether it’s leptospirosis or dengue, early detection saves lives.

Monitor symptoms closely.

Do not self-medicate, especially with aspirin for dengue, as it may worsen bleeding.

Go to the nearest health center or hospital.

Report cases to your barangay health unit to help monitor and control outbreaks.

Home and Barangay Preparedness Checklist

For Your Home:

✅ Regularly clean drains and ditches

✅ Dispose of garbage properly

✅ Store water in covered containers

✅ Keep pets vaccinated and checked

✅ Use mosquito coils or electric traps

For the Community:

✅ Attend health seminars from LGUs or DOH

✅ Organize “Oplan Linis” with neighbors

✅ Report clogged drainage to authorities

✅ Share information about symptoms and prevention

Government Efforts & How You Can Help

The Department of Health (DOH), LGUs, and DepEd often launch information drives, clean-up programs, and free check-ups during rainy months. Stay updated by:

Following local health bulletins

Participating in “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue”

Sharing verified info on social media

Final Thoughts: Prevention is a Shared Responsibility

Rain is a blessing, but it can become a danger if we don’t act responsibly. Preventing leptospirosis and dengue isn’t just a personal task — it’s a community duty. Through education, cleanliness, early action, and cooperation, we can make our homes and barangays safe from rainy season health threats.

Let’s protect ourselves, our families, and our neighborhoods — bayanihan-style — from the silent dangers of tag-ulan.