Leptospirosis and DOH. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) urged residents affected by Typhoon Karding-induced floods to get prophylaxis or treatment to avoid leptospirosis on Tuesday.
DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said that prophylactic medicines are available in the nearest health centers.
“Tayo po ay nakikiusap at nagpapaalala sa mga kababayan natin na lumusong sa baha nitong weekend at Lunes dahil sa malakas ang pag-ulan, kailangan niyo pong pumunta sa ating mga health centers para po kayo ay ma-assess at mabigyan ng prophylactic na medicine para maiwasan ang leptospirosis,” Vergeire said in a press briefing.
(We are urging the public in flooded areas caused by heavy rains during the weekend, and on Monday, you need to visit our health centers for assessment, and you will be provided with free prophylactic medicine to avoid leptospirosis.)
Vergeire also said she had instructed the Regional Center for Health Development officials to ensure enough prophylaxis in health centers in the affected areas.
The latest data from the DOH indicated that the country recorded 1,770 leptospirosis cases from January 1 to August 27, which is 36 percent higher than the leptospirosis cases logged during the same period last year at 1,229.
The DOH further reported that a sum of 244 deaths due to leptospirosis was reported during the period, indicating a fatality rate of 13.8 percent.
A water-borne bacterial disease, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death when not treated properly.
The World Health Organization said leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira, which could be carried by different wild and domestic animals such as rodents, pigs, dogs, horses, cattle, and other wild animals.
Karding left the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday night, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, killing at least eight people.