The province’s Undersecretary of Health Strategies and Access to Health, Laura López, confirmed this Friday the second death from leptospirosis in Córdoba.
“They are adults between 51 and 63 years old. One is a field employee and the other is the owner of the establishment” located in the town of Pasco, he explained.
The specialist indicated that these are “atypical cases” and that the “high-risk” contact they had could not be identified.
“This presentation sometimes shows high contact with the bacteria, given that the patients are deceased today,” he confirmed to Channel 10.
Asked if they found infected animals in the dairy, she explained: “Senasa did the control and they are animals that at this moment show the disease, that is why these are all the procedures that will be carried out in the field.”
Leptospirosis in Córdoba
Days ago, the Ministry of Health had reported on the two cases in that town in the General San Martín department, about 20 kilometers from the city of Villa María.
The disease, caused by a bacteria present in the urine of certain animals, is transmitted mainly by direct contact with infected urine or by ingestion of contaminated food and water.
The victims worked at a local dairy farm, milking and handling animals such as pigs and sheep. One of the patients died in the first instance and the other remained hospitalized with respiratory assistance. In the last hours his death was confirmed.
More news from Villa María and the area
Leptospirosis manifests itself with fever, headache, muscle aches and general malaise. In rare cases, it can progress to a severe and life-threatening form.
López pointed out that the symptoms can be confused with those of the flu, dengue and Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever, so early medical consultation and timely treatment are crucial.
Recommendations to prevent leptospirosis
Authorities recommend several measures to prevent leptospirosis:
Personal protective equipment: Wear rubber boots, overalls or impervious clothing and gloves when performing tasks that involve contact with potential sources of infection.
Rodent control: Deratization in homes and their surroundings.
Avoid contact with contaminated water: Do not immerse yourself in potentially contaminated stagnant water and prevent children from playing in puddles or mud.
Maintenance of spaces: Keep patios and grounds free of garbage and debris.
In rural areas, it is advisable to consult the veterinarian if abortions or diseases appear in animals. It is also recommended to wear protective clothing when working, caring for animals, and in flooded areas or when crossing standing water. In endemic areas, it is important to vaccinate dogs and cows.
