
DOH-CHD IN Calabarzon warns vs lepto amid floods
THE Department of Health- Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) CaLaBaRzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) warned the public anew against leptospirosis now that more places in the country are experiencing heavy rains that are causing floods.
Regional Director Ariel I. Valencia cautions against wading, swimming, and playing in floodwaters. If the work cannot avoid dirty water, use a bottle and gloves; practice proper waste disposal; wash with clean water and soap after soaking in contaminated water; ensure the drinking water is clean and maintain the cleanliness of the house and environment.
The Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) reported a total of 95 leptospirosis cases, with 14 deaths from January 1 to July 29, 2023 – 76% higher than last year’s period, with 54 cases.
The provinces with an increased number of cases compared to the same period last year are Quezon with 35 (218%), followed by Rizal with 22 cases (83%), Laguna with 16 (100%), and Batangas with 13 (44%). Cavite recorded 9 cases (36%), lower than last year with 14 cases.
Leptospirosis is a life-threatening illness that can be transmitted through contact with the skin, significantly if abraded, or of mucous membranes with moist soil, vegetation (rice fields, sugarcane plantation) contaminated with the urine of infected animals or contaminated water, as in swimming, wading in floodwaters, accidental immersion or occupational abrasion; direct contact with urine or tissues of infected animals. The disease can also be transmitted through drinking water and ingesting food contaminated with the urine of infected animals such as rats.
“Kung nakakaranas na ng mataas na lagnat, pananakit ng ulo, panginginig, pananakit ng kalamnan, pagsusuka, paninilaw ng balat (jaundice), pamumula ng mata, pananakit ng tiyan, pagtatae at pamamantal, magtungo agad sa pinakamalapit na ospital upang mabigyan ng agarang lunas,” Valencia added.
Valencia assured the public of the sufficient supply of doxycycline, “Kung na-expose na sa tubig-baha, agad magpakonsulta sa pinakamalapit na health centers para mabigyan ng medicine. If cases continue to rise, we assure the public that we have enough supplies,” he concluded.
DOH CHD Calabarzon has prepositioned a total of 142,000 doxycycline capsules ready for distribution.