QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) warns the public anew of the diseases associated with the rainy season, particularly leptospirosis. It is spread through the urine of bacteria-infected animals commonly present in floodwater.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III advised the public, especially those with open wounds, to use protective foot covering or rain boots if it is inevitable to wade through floodwaters.
“Kasi kung may sugat ka sa paa, malamang talagang mahawahan ka ng tubig baha na kontaminado ng ihi ng daga na siyang may dala ng leptospira bacteria.” Duque
explained.
(If you have a cut on your foot, you are likely to be infected by flood water contaminated by rat urine that carries the leptospira bacteria.)
National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI) Director Rosemarie Liquete, they have recorded a total of 61 cases of leptospirosis infection since June 9, 2018, with 9 recorded deaths.
Duque said there is no developed vaccine yet for leptospirosis though there is an existing medication for its early condition.
“Sa mga vulnerable communities, nagpakalat na tayo ng kahon-kahong antibiotics or doxycycline (We have distributed boxes of antibiotics or doxycycline to vulnerable communities),” he said.
Leptospirosis is caused by bacteria leptospirae. It can be acquired by wading in floodwater contaminated with the urine of bacteria-infected animals particularly rats. It has an incubation period of one to two weeks from exposure. The symptoms include muscle pain, red eyes, body aches, fever and headaches and could be fatal if the vital organs – liver, lungs and kidneys – are attacked.
Secretary Duque said it is important to immediately seek help at local health centers for assistance if a patient shows signs of leptospirosis infection. Leptospirosis patients are covered by the benefits under the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). – Rey Pelayo / Marje Pelayo
The post DOH warns against leptospirosis after 9 deaths, 61 cases recorded appeared first on UNTV News.