Health workers on Sunday distributed antibiotics to contain an outbreak of a waterborne bacterial disease in swaths of coastal Guyana, where December rains have flooded low-lying villages and cultivated fields.

Knee-deep water stands in several villages east of Guyana's capital after rains started flooding the area two weeks ago. Nearly 70 people have been diagnosed with leptospirosis, a disease spread through exposure to water contaminated with the urine of animals.

Health Minister Leslie Ramsammy told reporters that officials were closely monitoring the flood-hit towns and will evacuate anyone showing symptoms of the infectious disease, which include fever, chills, vomiting and kidney failure.

He urged people with symptoms of the potentially fatal disease to seek help immediately.

More than 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain have fallen in some parts of the South American country in less than two days. The floods have displaced hundreds of people, many to homes of relatives and friends.

December is among the rainiest months in Guyana. Many areas along the country's coastline are located below sea level and flash floods are a threat during storms.