DOH units on Code White amid floods, leptospirosis cases

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday placed all its units nationwide on “Code White Alert” amid heavy rain, flooding, and the threat of leptospirosis.

“Code White Alert,” according to the DOH, refers to the readiness of medical personnel in hospitals and health offices to provide or respond to necessary health services.

 “With the inclement weather and flooding in various areas brought about by the Southwest Monsoon strengthened by [Typhoon] Carina, the [DOH] has declared a Code White Alert in all its Centers for Health Development (regional offices) nationwide, as well as for the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-Barmm),” the DOH said in a statement.

Under the alert, all health units must monitor and report any untoward health incidents to the DOH.

 As of July 13, the DOH said it has recorded a total of 1,258 cases of leptospirosis, with a downtrend observed from June 2 to July 13.

It is also lower by 41 percent compared to the same period in 2023, at 2,150.

 “However, case counts may still rise due to late reports, and especially with recent weather events like the enhanced Southwest Monsoon,” the DOH said.

Deaths due to the disease, meanwhile, have reached 133 as of July 13.

 Among the country’s regions, DOH recorded the highest number of leptospirosis cases in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Socckskargen, Western Visayas, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao.

Avoiding leptospirosis

 The DOH advised the public to avoid wading in flood waters, handling soil, mud, and dirt after a flood, with or without visible wounds, and only through exposed skin, which may result in contracting leptospirosis.

It also stressed the importance of immediately consulting doctors if exposed to flood waters, as symptoms of leptospirosis can take as long as one month to appear.

“Mas mabuti pong umiwas sa baha at putik para makaiwas magka-lepto. Sa mga kailangangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos. Kumonsulta agad sa doktor, wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa. 

 (Stay away from floods and mud to avoid leptospirosis. For those who have to do so, use knee-high boots. Wash the affected area immediately with clean water and soap. Consult a doctor immediately, don’t be complacent because the symptoms take a long time to appear.)

The DOH reminded the public that antibiotics are available to prevent deadly diseases.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache, with some cases reporting having distinct pain in the calf muscles and reddish eyes. 

 Those with severe cases may also experience jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache.