The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to stay away from flooded areas to prevent leptospirosis during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine.
It further advised the public to take proactive measures if flooded areas are inevitable due to the storm.
According to the Health Department, people rarely exposed to flood with no wounds have a low risk for leptospirosis and people rarely exposed to flood with wounds have a medium risk for leptospirosis. Meanwhile, people often exposed to flood whether they have wounds have a high risk for leptospirosis.
It noted that since doxycycline, an antibiotic used to prevent early infections and bacteria, requires a doctor’s prescription — the public should consult the nearest health center if they are exposed to flood.
Moreover, the DOH reminded the public to keep their drinking water clean by boiling it for two minutes or putting chlorine tablets before using or drinking it, to prevent diarrhea.
These chlorine tablets are available for free from local government units (LGU) or health centers.
