Jakarta, KOMPAS.com - The ruins of buildings after earthquake is not immediately cleaned up the potential to cause disease leptospirosis. Given the condition of the ruins can be a rat's nest that is the source of the dangerous disease. Disease leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by leptospires bacteria that are often transmitted by rat urine. Scratches (abrasions) on the skin of a person can be the gateway entrance of contaminated urine leptospires.
"The ruins and the wood is a good place for a nest of rats. Learning from post-disaster flood in Jakarta earthquake in Jogjakarta, and Aceh, leptospirosis cases have to watch out for," said dr.Ari Fahrial, Sp.PD, KEGH, of the Society of Expert disease in Indonesia.
According to Ari, now an earthquake victim in the recovery process and start cleaning the debris of his house. In a community site clearance equip themselves with the protection required.
"People should be told to always wear shoes and gloves so as not to nail punctured the tread can cause tetanus or direct mouse droppings," he explained.
Therefore, Ari suggested that equipment such as boots or gloves, including the one that sent aid to earthquake victims in West Sumatra.
A good self-protection is also required to be done by staff and volunteers who clean up the debris. "The bodies that might have been saved in the location of the ruins can be a source of disease transmission. Therefore in order to avoid direct contact with decaying corpses, the officers should be equipped with self-protection," he said.