Cases of leptospirosis on the rise, says DOH

The number of leptospirosis cases in the country has doubled since last year following the floods brought by Typhoons Pedring and Quiel, data from the Department of Health (DOH) said Friday. A report by Kara David on GMA News TV's "Balitanghali" said that as per data released by the DOH, 2,061 leptospirosis cases have been recorded from January 24 to September 24 this year, which is 194.8 percent higher than the figures in 2010. Of the total cases this year, 156 have been reported to have died. The same report, however, did not say how many died last year. But the current DOH records exclude flood victims in Bulacan and Pampanga — areas gravely affected by the unexpected rise of muddy waters that left many residents stranded at home. Meanwhile, only five suspected cases have been reported from evacuation centers in Central Luzon.

Antibiotic With the rise of leptospirosis cases, the DOH said it has distributed the antibiotic “doxycycline" to flood victims, the same television report said. Doxycycline is a prophylactic or preventive drug that a person can take to ward off leptospirosis if he frequents the flood for long periods of time. Health Secretary Enrique Ona also clarified that leptospirosis can only be acquired by people—usually men—who brave the dirty waters often. The leptospirosis bacteria are carried by rats, Ona added, warning those living along farm fields to be extra careful because many of these rodents lurk around their areas. According to Ona, the first symptom of the disease is the usual flu, but the person should be taken to the hospital immediately if:

his eyes turn yellowish; and

he complains of intense headaches. Other diseases, supplies Meanwhile, the DOH is also monitoring cases of diarrhea and respiratory-related diseases like pneumonia and influenza, which have risen to 3, 600 in evacuation centers. Still, the Health Department stressed that there is no outbreak of communicable diseases in evacuation centers yet. Aside from antibiotics, the DOH is also giving out medicines, water, and disinfectant to victims still residing in Central Luzon evacuation centers. The DOH is also wary of snakebite cases, although there has been only one reported incident. According to Dr. Carmencita Banatin of the Health Emergency Management Division, a snakebite victim must immediately be taken to any government hospital, even in provinces, where she assured that the patient can be treated. The DOH said they made sure that all their regional offices have enough supply of anti-venom. — with Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/RSJ, GMA News