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(MB FILE PHOTO)
The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded 3,037 cases of leptospirosis nationwide from January 1 to July 19, with more than a third of the infections reported shortly after the start of the rainy season.
Of the total cases, the agency said 1,114 were recorded after June 8, just a week after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared the onset of the rainy season on June 2.
From July 13 to 31 alone, the DOH documented 569 new cases in its hospitals across the country.
Earlier, DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said the department is closely monitoring the situation and preparing for more severe cases that may require hospitalization and dialysis.
“Since Crising, may mga paisa-isa na kaming reports of leptospirosis sa aming mga ospital (Since Crising, we’ve been getting isolated reports of leptospirosis in our hospitals),” Herbosa said during his visit to Nangka Elementary School in Marikina, which is being used as a temporary evacuation center for families displaced by recent floods.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease often contracted by wading through floodwaters contaminated with animal urine. In its severe form, it can cause kidney failure, organ damage, or death.
Herbosa urged flood-affected residents to watch out for early symptoms and seek treatment immediately.
“Very important, magpatingin kaagad kung ikaw ay lumusong sa baha. After one week, nilalagnat, naninilaw, nanghihina—importanteng magpatingin na sa ating mga doctor, sa mga ospital (It’s very important to get checked immediately if you waded through floodwater. If after a week you have a fever, yellowing of the skin, or feel weak—see a doctor right away at any hospital),” he stressed.
To curb infections, the health chief said the DOH has pre-positioned stocks of doxycycline, an antibiotic used as a preventive treatment.
“Marami kaming stock [ng doxycycline]. Nirereseta ito, hindi basta iniinom (We have plenty of doxycycline in stock. It’s prescribed, not something you take casually),” Herbosa said.
“Explain ko lang, ang antibiotic, kailangan may doctor’s supervision. Doctor ang magdedesisyon kung kailangan kayong bigyan (Let me explain, antibiotics require a doctor’s supervision. It’s the doctor who decides if you need it),” he added.
