The Department of Health (DOH) has issued a public health advisory against leptospirosis with the heavy rains and expected flooding brought about by Tropical Storm Enteng.
DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa. advised the public to stay away from flooded areas as much as possible.
The health chief said flood waters are dirty and that the public should avoid areas with flood waters. He also advised washing with clean water and soap, if a person is exposed to flood waters.
Herbosa added that individuals who waded into flood waters can visit a health center, even without symptoms of the disease.
“Madumi ang tubig baha. Iwasan hanggat kaya. Hugasan ang katawan ng tubig at sabon pagkaahon. Anuman ang dahilan, basta napalusong, kahit walang sugat o nararamdaman, kumonsulta agad sa doktor o health center sa loob ng 1-2 araw,” Herbosa warned.
Leptospirosis cases are increasing, following the floods by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced monsoon rain according to the latest epidemiologic data.
As of August 17, 2024, a total of 3,785 cases have been recorded nationwide, which is 5% higher than the 3,605 cases reported in the same period last year.
The DOH is also continuously warning the public against Leptospirosis brought by rain and floods.
From July 7-20, only 251 cases were recorded. This went up almost five times to 1,184 from July 21 to August 3 at the height of Typhoon Carina and enhanced monsoon floods.
While the count has since gone down to 699 cases from August 4 to 17, DOH epidemiologists anticipate that, without proper precautions like prophylaxis, the number of cases will most likely go up again due to floods brought about by Typhoon Enteng.
“Mayroon pa ring antibiotic prophylaxis (pag-iwas), at libre ang konsulta at reseta sa government health center. Naka price-freeze pa rin ang mga gamot kasama ang Doxycycline sa mga lugar na tinamaan noon ng bagyong Carina, hanggang September 23. Kumonsulta po tayo,” Herbosa said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “DOH warns public of spike in Leptospirosis cases.”
