Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa on Tuesday, July 22, urged Filipinos exposed to floodwaters to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of leptospirosis, as hospitals begin preparing for possible dialysis cases.

“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.

He said the DOH is already ramping up its readiness, especially for severe cases that could require dialysis.

“Ang hospitals namin, naghahanda—‘yung para sa dialysis—‘yung peritoneal dialysis (Our hospitals are preparing for dialysis—specifically peritoneal dialysis),” he added.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly contracted through contact with contaminated floodwaters. In its severe form, the agency said it can lead to organ failure and death if not treated early.

Herbosa reminded evacuees and affected residents not to ignore early warning signs of infection.

“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 prevent infection, Herbosa said the DOH has already stockpiled the antibiotic doxycycline, which is commonly prescribed as prophylaxis for leptospirosis.

“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),” he 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 went on. 

The DOH chief assured the public that supplies are in place, anticipating the annual spike in cases during the rainy season.

“Marami tayong naka-standby [na doxycycline] kasi every year lagi tayong nagbabaha so every year, naghahanda kami niyan (We always keep doxycycline on standby because floods happen every year, so we prepare every year),” Herbosa said.

“So ‘yung aming Health Emergency Management Bureau, naka-stockpile po ‘yang doxycycline (Our Health Emergency Management Bureau has stockpiled doxycycline).”