QC LGU urges residents to observe preventive measures vs. leptospirosis
By Hannah Nicol
The Quezon City government on Monday, Aug. 7, urged the QCitizens to observe preventive measures against leptospirosis amid the sudden rise of cases of the said disease in the city.
The city government said that it recorded 26 leptospirosis cases from July 22 to Aug. 4, with 10 cases being logged on Aug. 1, the highest number of cases recorded on a single day.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte directed the City Health Department , in coordination with the Quezon City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (QCESU) to handle the issue.
The local government distributed Doxycycline or antibiotics to the barangay health centers to treat infections, control the spread of the disease, and protect individuals at risk.
The frontline responders from the city's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) were also given the supplies to provide aid when needed.
According to QCESU Chief Dr. Rolando Cruz, the antibiotics will be provided as prophylaxis (preventive measure for diseases) to high-risk individuals, particularly those with a history of wading through floodwaters, to lessen the chance of infection.
It will also be administered as an early treatment to people who have been diagnosed with leptospirosis.
Early detection is crucial for avoiding severe problems that could necessitate hospitalization, the local government said.
"Residents who are at risk due to the nature of their work or location, and those who are experiencing fever after being exposed to flood water are encouraged to visit the nearest barangay health center for assessment and appropriate treatment. Dahil panahon ngayon ng tag-ulan at baha, nararapat lamang na maging maingat ang lahat para iwas-sakit ( Since it's season of rains and floods, everyone should be careful to avoid illness),” Belmonte said.
The local government urged the QCitizens to avoid swimming or wading in floodwater, and wear protective clothing like boots, gloves, and masks during floods.
Cruz warned the citizens that leptospirosis can spread through the urine or feces of infected animals, especially rats.
He also added that it can be contracted by accidentally swallowing contaminated food or water, or when the bacteria enters the body through the mouth, nose, and eyes, or through open wounds and cuts.