Health authorities are preparing for a possible rise in cases of leptospirosis in the coming weeks due to the floods caused by recent tropical cyclones that hit the country. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III has warned the public against the disease and said that they are closely monitoring cases in Marikina City, one of the areas hit hardest by floods brought by tropical storm “Ondoy" (Ketsana). "Tinitingnan natin ngayon ang mga kaso ng leptospirosis lalo na sa Marikina City, (We are monitoring closely leptospirosis cases especially in Marikina)," Duque said in an interview on dzRH radio. Without elaborating, Duque said: “Posibleng sabihin nating umpisa na ng outbreak doon (it is possible we can declare an outbreak in Marikina)." In an earlier radio interview, National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag cited partial reports showing many leptospirosis cases were recorded in Marikina City, one of the hardest hit areas when Ondoy struck on September 26. [See: Leptospirosis, other diseases hound flood victims] “Sa aming official na talaan noong isang taon, wala ni isang kaso sa Marikina (Our figures showed that last year, Marikina had no cases of leptospirosis at all)," he said in an interview on dzBB radio. When asked if the cases in the city are connected to Ondoy's floods, Tayag said: “Opo, opo (Yes, yes)."
The DOH, according to Secretary Duque, is also monitoring flooded areas for other diseases such respiratory tract infection, skin wounds and infections, and diarrhea.
Lepto cases rising DZBB’s Denevin Macaranas reported Wednesday that DOH undersecretary Elmer Punzalan noted that 398 cases have so far been reported this year in Metro Manila alone. This was more than half the 700 cases recorded in 2008 nationwide, Punzalan said. Meanwhile, Tayag said they expect figures to go up further once hospitals in other cyclone-hit areas send in their reports. [See:
DOH in Cagayan Valley braces for leptospirosis outbreak]
LEPTOSPIROSIS 101 Leptospirosis * a bacterial infection caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called leptospira * occurs through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or by contact with a urine-contaminated environment such as surface water, floodwater, soil, and plants * affects both humans and animals * leptospira have been found in rats, insectivores, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs and horses * bacteria enter through broken skins, through eyes, nose or mouth exposed to contaminated water although less frequently through animal bites, handling infected animal tissues or swallowing contaminated food or water * an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors or with animals, such as rice and sugar-cane field workers, farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, dairy workers and military personnel * a recreational hazard to those who swim or wade in contaminated waters. In endemic areas the number of leptospirosis cases may peak during the rainy season and even may reach epidemic proportions in case of flooding. SYMPTOMS Incubation period for the bacteria lasts 7 to 12 days. During this period, the following symptoms may be felt (although sometimes it can also be asymptomatic): * high fever * severe headache * chills * muscle pain * vomiting * jaundice * redness in the eyes * abdominal pain * hemorrhages in skin and mucous membranes (including pulmonary bleeding) * diarrhea * rash However, if these aren't treated, they may develop into kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress. PREVENTION * reduce the rat population with the destruction of their habitats -- maintain a clean home * avoid immersion in natural waters such as rivers, lakes and canals * avoid immersion in floods * use protective footwear or clothing when immersion to natural waters or floods is inevitable * provide clean drinking water Related link: Prevention and Control of Food and Waterborne Diseases Source: GMA News Research, Department of Health, World Health Organization "We expect more cases once figures from hospitals in other parts of the country come in," Tayag said. Many areas in Metro Manila and Luzon were flooded when tropical storm Ondoy dumped rains there last September 26. Several areas in Northern and Central Luzon were likewise flooded when tropical cyclone “Pepeng" (Parma) pummeled the northwest areas for a week. Tayag urged residents in flooded areas to remember the “Four Ls" that include
“lalaki (male),
lugar na nabaha (flooded areas),
lumusong sa baha (waded through floodwaters) and
lagnat (fever)." He said most of those who waded through floods are male, and may experience symptoms that include fever and chills. He said the symptoms may show within 10 days after wading through floods. Also, he advised those who experience such symptoms to seek medical attention before it is too late.
“Yung iba may renal failure
na (Some of those who tarried before seeking medical help already developed renal failure)," he said. Tayag said leptospirosis is a big risk in the wake of Ondoy as many animals in flooded areas had drowned, and their waste materials may have contaminated the floodwaters.
Metro Manila cases Cases of leptospirosis in Metro Manila have continued to rise, according to dzBB reports. In Quezon City, dzBB’s Mao dela Cruz reported that the East Avenue Medical Center has at least 17 cases between Tuesday night to Wednesday dawn. In Manila, the government-run San Lazaro Hospital also noted an increase in leptospirosis cases. The DOH placed ads in newspapers urging the public to avoid wading in floodwaters to avoid catching the disease. The ads also advised people to use boots if they have to wade in the floodwaters, and ride bangkas or rubber boats. Also, those who waded in the floodwaters were advised to see a doctor immediately if they experience fever for two days.
“Buhay ay mahalaga huwag lumusong sa baha (Life is valuable, don’t wade in floodwaters)," the ads said.
- GMANews.TV 
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