"When flooding occurs, rats that live in burrows will come out to save themselves. These rats will roam around humans, and their feces and urine will mix with the floodwater," Aditama explained in a text message received here on Wednesday.
He stated that individuals with open wounds are particularly vulnerable to infection and falling ill if their wounds come into contact with floodwaters contaminated with rat feces or urine containing the leptospira bacteria.
Clinical symptoms of leptospirosis include fever above 38 degrees Celsius, headaches, body weakness, calf pain leading to walking difficulty, redness in the whites of the eyes, and eye and skin yellowing.
To avoid contracting this disease, he suggested that residents do their best to reduce and prevent the presence of rats around them by always maintaining cleanliness.
Aditama also advised people to avoid contact with floodwater, especially if they have wounds, and to use protective gear, such as footwear, when navigating through flooded areas.
"Seek medical attention immediately if you experience sudden fever, headaches, and chills," he stressed.
Besides leptospirosis, other diseases to watch out for during flooding include diarrhea, acute respiratory infections (ARI), skin diseases, infections, allergies, typhoid fever, and dengue fever.
According to Aditama, facilities and resources at evacuation sites may be limited, including the availability of clean water.
During floods, shallow wells that serve as a common source of drinking water for residents often become contaminated, substantially raising the risk of diarrhea-related illnesses.
Hence, he reminded residents evacuating to boil their drinking water until it reaches a rolling boil, maintain environmental cleanliness, avoid garbage accumulation, and practice handwashing with soap before eating or drinking and after urinating or defecating.
Related news: Marines step in to rescue flood victims in Jakarta, Bekasi
Related news: Widespread flooding paralyzes public activities: Bekasi Mayor
Translator: Lia, Kenzu
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
