The Malabon City government has intensified its health advisory on Friday, July 25, warning residents about the heightened risk of leptospirosis and dengue amid heavy rains and flooding.

Mayor Jeannie Sandoval urged the public to prioritize their health and safety during the rainy season.

“Palagi po tayong mag-iingat at isaalang-alang ang ating kalusugan, lalo na ngayong tag-ulan. Handa po ang ating pamahalaang lungsod na tumulong, ngunit mas mainam pa rin na maiwasan ang pagkakasakit (Let us always stay safe and prioritize our health, especially during the rainy season. While our city government is ready to provide assistance, it is still best to prevent illness whenever possible),” she said. 

“Prevention is better than cure, ika nga. Kaya't panatilihin natin ang kalinisan at kalusugan sa ating kapaligiran (As they say, prevention is better than cure. So let’s maintain cleanliness and good health in our surroundings),” Sandoval added. 

According to the City Health Department (CHD), leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection that can be contracted by wading through floodwaters contaminated with rat urine. The disease is especially dangerous for individuals with open wounds or those walking barefoot in flood-prone areas.

Symptoms include fever, muscle pain, red eyes, and vomiting. If left untreated, the condition may lead to severe complications, including liver or kidney failure.

The CHD has advised residents to avoid contact with floodwaters, wear boots or gloves if exposure is unavoidable, and seek immediate medical care if symptoms appear. 

The city has also begun distributing doxycycline, an antibiotic used to help prevent infection.

Meanwhile, the city is also ramping up its anti-dengue campaign, as dengue cases often rise during the wet season. The mosquito-borne illness causes high fever, rashes, and, in some cases, internal bleeding.

City Health Officer Dr. Bernadette Bordador said both illnesses tend to spike during the monsoon period, making it essential for residents to stay vigilant.

The local government continues to roll out its “Dengue 4S Strategy,” which includes:

Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites like stagnant water.

Self-protection by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing.

Seek early consultation with free dengue testing available at local health centers.

Support fogging and misting activities in high-risk areas.

The LGU also distributes larvicides and insecticides to households and conducting regular clean-up drives in various barangays.

Information campaigns are being carried out both online and within communities, while Barangay Dengue Task Forces have been mobilized to lead grassroots-level disease prevention efforts.

"Sa pamamagitan ng pagtutulungan at disiplina, mapoprotektahan natin ang ating sarili, pamilya, at buong pamayanan mula sa panganib (Through cooperation and discipline, we can protect ourselves, our families, and the entire community from harm),” Borador said. 

The local government deployed mobile medical services under its “Lab 4 All” program at Potrero Elementary School and Epifanio Delos Santos Elementary School, offering free checkups and consultations to those affected by flooding.