DOH: Seek immediate treatment to avoid leptospirosis

MANILA, Philippines — Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged the public on Tuesday to immediately seek treatment should they be exposed to floodwater brought about by Typhoon “Tisoy” to avoid contracting leptospirosis.

Duque said that those who wade through floods should immediately go to health centers and ask for a prophylaxis dose for protection against the water-borne disease.

He also urged local governments to ensure the proper collection of garbage to avoid attracting stray animals, including rats, whose waste and urine could contain the leptospira bacteria.

A person may get infected with leptospirosis if he has open wounds or skin lesions and wades in contaminated water.

“We call on the public to be prepared and exercise caution because there are diseases that they may contract in times of calamities like this,” Duque said.

As of Nov. 16, the Department of Health has recorded a total of 2,894 leptospirosis cases nationwide, down 43 percent compared to last year.

The number of deaths this year, on the other hand, is at 303, lower compared to 2018.

Among all regions, Metro Manila accounted for the highest number of leptospirosis cases at 1,100. Most of the patients were between the ages of 20 and 24, accounting for 15 percent of all cases and 17 percent of all deaths. —Jovic Yee