Metro Manila Council (MMC) President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora on Tuesday, August 13, said he will introduce a resolution to Metro Manila mayors urging them to issue ordinances that will ban swimming in floodwaters to stop leptospirosis infections and even deaths due to complications.
(Photo by Noel Pabalate)
Zamora made the call following the surge in leptospirosis cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) in the aftermath of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced habagat that brought heavy rains and flooding across Metro Manila on July 24.
"In the aftermath of Typhoon Carina, reports have shown a concerning surge in cases of leptospirosis, primarily attributed to individuals swimming in floodwaters, which pose a serious threat to public health and safety," Zamora said.
"In response to this urgent health issue as manifested by Department of Health (DOH) Sec. Ted Herbosa, I will be introducing the issuance of a Metro Manila Resolution that strongly encourages all LGUs within Metro Manila to take decisive action by prohibiting both children and adults from swimming in floodwaters," he added.
The mayor explained that all LGUs will have the authority to impose fines or penalties against violators that they will deem appropriate at their own discretion.
"This empowers local leaders to enforce measures that are best suited to their communities' needs and ensures a unified and effective approach to addressing this health concern," he explained.
In San Juan, Zamora said he will be recommending the enactment of the prohibition on people from swimming in floodwaters and underscored the city government's mandate of protecting its residents against health hazards.
"For minors who violate the proposed ordinance, the respective LGUs will be authorized to hold the parents or guardians principally and solidarily liable for the corresponding penalties. This accountability is essential to ensure that parents take the necessary precautions to prevent their children from engaging in activities that may endanger their health and the health of others," the local chief executive stressed.
According to the DOH, there have been 1,444 leptospirosis cases recorded as of July 27, which is 42 percent lower compared to the 2,505 cases recorded during the same period last year.
It, however, noted that the number of cases is likely to increase due to delayed reports.
The agency has also recorded 162 leptospirosis deaths.