Flood victims urged to take precautions vs. dengue, leptospirosis

Residents of areas hit by floods brought about by typhoon "Pedring" (international name: Nesat) were advised on Thursday to take precautions against dengue, leptospirosis, and H1N1 flu. National Epidemiology Center head Eric Tayag said floods may have washed away the breeding sites of dengue-carrying mosquitoes but the stagnant water may serve as a new breeding ground. He urged residents to clean their surroundings quickly to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. "Hindi pa tataas ngayon yan sapagka't inanod ang initlugan ng lamok. Subali't sa susunod na araw ang tubig na hindi tinapon ay maaring maging sanhi ng pagtaas uli ng dengue," Tayag said in an interview on dwIZ radio. "Umaasa kami na pag humupa na ang baha maglinis tayo ng kapaligiran," Tayag said. Floods hit several areas in Central Luzon, including Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Pampanga, after being hit by Typhoon "Pedring." Leptospirosis, H1N1 flu Meanwhile, Tayag reiterated his advice to residents to take precautions as well against leptospirosis and H1N1 flu. Tayag said they are now verifying the death of a flood victim who allegedly contracted leptospirosis, an infection caused by exposure to floodwaters contaminated by rat urine or droppings. "Inaasahan namin maaring tumaas ang kaso ng leptospirosis. Kahapon sa bisita natin sa Malolos Provincial Hospital, may tatlong hinihinalaang kaso. Vine-verify namin ngayon dahil may nainulat na may isang namatay," Tayag said. Wash hands and cover noses, mouths Tayag also said they are monitoring possible cases of H1N1 flu, which may particularly threaten pregnant women and those with diabetes. He advised those in evacuation centers to wash their hands and cover their noses and mouths to prevent the possible spread of the disease. "Ito kailangan magtakip ng ilong at bibig ang maysakit at kailangan maibukod at kailangan kumpirmahin natin kung H1N1 yan," he said. - VVP, GMA News