Due to Tropical Storm Enteng's heavy rainfall and anticipated flooding, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a public health advisory warning against leptospirosis on Monday, Sept. 2.
“Madumi ang tubig baha. Iwasan hanggat kaya (The floodwater is dirty. Avoid it as much as possible),” DOH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said in a statement.
Herbosa advised anyone who has been exposed to floodwaters to wash their bodies thoroughly with water and soap.
“Anuman ang dahilan, basta napalusong, kahit walang sugat o nararamdaman, kumonsulta agad sa doktor o health center sa loob ng 1-2 araw (Whatever the reason, if you wade into it, even if you don't have any wounds or symptoms, consult a doctor or health center within 1-2 days),” he added.
Leptospirosis cases
Citing the latest epidemiologic data, the DOH reported a “spike” in leptospirosis cases following floods caused by Typhoon Carina and enhanced monsoon rains.
As of Aug. 17, the DOH has recorded a total of 3,785 cases nationwide.
While this is only a five percent increase over the 3,605 cases reported during the same period last year, the DOH cautioned that rain brings floods, which can lead to leptospirosis.
From July 7 to 20, the DOH recorded “only 251 cases.”
This number increased “almost fivefold” to 1,184 from July 21 to Aug. 3 during the height of Typhoon Carina and enhanced monsoon floods.
While the count has “since gone down” to 699 cases from Aug. 4 to 17, DOH epidemiologists anticipate that, without proper precautions like prophylaxis, the “number of cases will most likely go up again” due to floods caused by Tropical Storm Enteng.
Prevention, treatment
Meanwhile, Herbosa reminded the public about the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis for prevention, and consultations and prescriptions are available for free at government health centers.
“Kumonsulta po tayo (Let’s consult),” Herbosa said.
Moreover, the DOH noted that medications, including Doxycycline, remain under a price freeze in areas affected by Typhoon Carina until Sept. 23.