Keep cuts out of fresh water and mud
Where leptospirosis is common, stay out of streams, ponds and floodwater with open cuts, and keep your head above fresh water.
- How often
- As needed
- Recommended for
- 1 factor
How to do it
- Do not swim or wade in freshwater streams, ponds or puddles when you have cuts, scrapes or sores.
- Keep your head above fresh water so it does not get in your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Stay out of floodwater and stormwater runoff, especially for a few days after heavy rain.
- Wear waterproof boots and gloves for yard or farm work in wet soil.
- Boil stream or pond water for at least one minute, or treat it, before drinking.
Why it helps
Leptospirosis bacteria come from the urine of rats, mongooses, pigs and other animals and survive in fresh water and wet soil. They enter through broken skin or the eyes, nose and mouth. Heavy rain washes more of them into streams.
Be careful
See a doctor if you get fever, headache, muscle aches or red eyes within a few weeks of freshwater or mud exposure, and mention the exposure.