With the heavy rain and flooding brought about by Tropical Storm Enteng, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a public health advisory against Leptospirosis.
“Madumi ang tubig baha. Iwasan hanggat kaya. Hugasan ang katawan ng tubig at sabon pagkaahon,” warned Secretary Ted Herbosa.
“Basta napalusong, kahit walang sugat o nararamdaman, kumonsulta agad sa doctor.”
“Anuman ang dahilan, basta napalusong, kahit walang sugat o nararamdaman, kumonsulta agad sa doktor o health center sa loob ng 1-2 araw,” Herbosa added.
The latest epidemiologic data has already registered the spike in Leptospirosis cases following floods by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced monsoon rain. As of August 17, 2024, a total of 3,785 cases have been recorded nationwide.
While this is only 5% higher than the 3,605 cases reported in the same period last year, the DOH cautions that rain brings floods that leads to Leptospirosis.
From July 7-20, only 251 cases were recorded. This went up almost five times to 1,184 from July 21 to August 3 (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 Enteng.
“Mayroon pa ring antibiotic prophylaxis (pag-iwas), at libre ang konsulta at reseta sa government health center.”
“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,” reminded the health chief.
