Leptospirosis Outbreak: Unisa Yogyakarta Faculty of Medicine Lecturer Provides Tips on Prevention and Treatment

Leptospirosis cases in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) have been a concern recently. Dr. Henny Cloridina, M.H., a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta, provided advice on what the community can do to prevent Leptospirosis and how to treat it if infected.

According to data from the DIY Health Department, there have been 282 cases of Leptospirosis recorded up to July 2025. These cases are spread across several regencies/cities in DIY. Bantul Regency recorded 165 cases, followed by Sleman Regency with 53 cases, Kulonprogo Regency with 32 cases, Yogyakarta City with 21 cases, and Gunungkidul Regency with 11 cases.

Dina explained that Leptospirosis, or rat urine disease, is a contagious infectious disease caused by the Leptospira sp. bacterium, which is a Gram-negative bacterium of the Spirochaeta group. This disease is transmitted through intermediate animals (reservoirs) such as rats, dogs, pigs, cows, and goats. “Rats are the primary reservoir for this disease, and the Leptospira sp. bacteria are stored in the renal tubules of rats and excreted through urine,” explained Dina on Wednesday (August 6, 2025).

At least four factors influence Leptospirosis. First, environmental factors (rainfall, poor sanitation, rat population density). Second, individual factors (presence of wounds, immune system strength, high-risk occupations). Third, socio-economic factors (slum settlements, lack of knowledge). Fourth, behavioral factors (failure to use personal protective equipment, poor hygiene practices).

Dina revealed that the symptoms of leptospirosis vary and are similar to other infectious diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and acute fever. A characteristic feature of Leptospirosis is that it is biphasic, meaning that there is a period when symptoms appear and are felt by the patient, but then the patient appears healthy with no symptoms. If an infection occurs, symptoms that can be felt include chills, coughing, diarrhea, sudden headaches, high fever, muscle pain, especially in the calves, and loss of appetite.

“Severe muscle pain in the calves is often a clear sign of infection with Leptospira sp. Jaundice or yellowing of the body’s mucous membranes (skin, eyes) is a condition that indicates severe leptospirosis (known as Weil’s disease),” explained Dina.

Prevention and Management

Dina shared advice with the public on preventing Leptospirosis. First, maintain environmental cleanliness by regularly cleaning up trash, avoiding piles of discarded items, and ensuring drainage systems are not blocked to prevent waterlogging. Second, maintain personal hygiene by washing hands with soap, wearing necessary protective gear, and avoiding playing in standing water.

“Ketiga, kendalikan populasi tikus dengan menutup makanan di meja, memasang perangkap tikus. Keempat, mengenali gejala Leptospirosis, agar bisa waspada dan mengambil tindakan yang tepat jika gejala ke arah darurat,” ucap Dina.

Dina mengatakan jika terkena Leptospirosis, sebaiknya segera memeriksakan diri ke dokter jika sudah meminum obat demam, tapi tidak turun atau maksimal 3 hari sakit. Kedua, memperbanyak minum air putih untuk mencegah dehidrasi karena demam, dan istirahat yang cukup.

“Minum obat sesuai anjuran dokter. Cek laborat sesuai anjuran dokter. Kenali tanda bahaya Leptospirosis, seperti kulit dan mukosa tubuh kuning, volume urin sedikit/kencing kurang dari 5 kali per hari, nyeri otot hebat di betis/punggung,” ungkap Dina.

Dina menyebut Fakultas Kedokteran Unisa Yogyakarta juga mencoba mengambil peran untuk menangani Leptospirosis. “Jika diperlukan melakukan sosialisasi terkait Leptospirosis. Memberikan bantuan SDM nakes dalam pemeriksaan bakti sosial yang diperlukan,” ucap Dina.