DOH warns against increase of leptospirosis

MANILA, Philippines — With the increase of cases of Leptospirosis in Metro Manila, Department of Health Center for Health Development for Metro Manila (DOH-CHD-MM) on Wednesday reminded hospitals to provide Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT) to patients suffering from high fever.

DOH-CHD-MM Regional Director Eduardo Janairo told hospitals in Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Pasay and Valenzuela to have patients with high fever undergo RDT to prevent the spread of Leptospirosis.

Janairo said that the disease was “preventable and can be treated once it is properly diagnosed.” He also reminded the public that with the “rainy season far from over, as much as possible, let us avoid wading and spending much time submerging our feet in floodwaters to prevent contracting leptospirosis.”

Recent data culled by the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) indicated an increase in Leptospirosis cases from January 1 to October 15 this year with 456 cases and 45 deaths, compared with last year’s 142 cases and seven deaths.

The health department said that San Lazaro Hospital, one of the top surveillance disease reporting units, has monitored 226 cases and eight deaths, followed by Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center with 39 cases and four deaths, Quezon City General Hospital with 32 cases and three deaths, East Avenue Medical Center with 25 cases and 13 deaths, Ospital ng Makati with 18 cases and one death, and Quirino Memorial Medical center with 12 cases and two deaths.

Majority of the cases mentioned affected male patients and those who were aged 15 to 30, according to the DOH-CHD-MM.

Aside from Leptospirosis, Janairo also warned the public against contracting “athlete’s foot” when they expose their feet to floodwaters.

The infection was “highly transmissible,” said Janairo who further advised the public “not to wear socks while using wet boots to avoid having blisters” as it also causes athlete’s foot.

“No matter how many times you treat your feet with ketoconazole ointment, once you tread again in floodwaters, the fungal infection will return,” Janairo explained.