DOH notes 247% rise in leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila

After noting a whopping 247-percent spike in leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila, the Department of Health appealed to residents to help stop the spread of the disease.

 

The DOH said figures from the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit showed 583 cases with 48 deaths from January 1 to November 12 – a 247-percent increase from 168 cases and 13 deaths in the same period last year.

 

"Majority of the cases were male and belonged to the age group from 15 to 30 years old, with 239 cases and 15 deaths," the DOH said in a news release on the government portal.

 

Quezon City and Manila top the list of cities with the most number of leptospirosis cases, with 103 and 137 respectively, it said.

 

The DOH urged Metro Manila residents to control and suppress rodent infestations to prevent the spread of leptospirosis at home.

 

“Everyone should avoid contact with rodents, [and] remove their food sources, water, and items that could provide them shelter. Seal holes inside and outside our homes in order to prevent their entry. Keep them outside our homes so that they will not multiply within the household. Let us also clean up potential rodent food sources outside and destroy their nesting sites,” Metro Manila Regional Director Eduardo Janairo said.

 

He said It is important to identify the signs of rodent infestation at home.

 

"If you regularly see rodent droppings around food packages, in drawers or cupboards, and/or under the sink, then your house is infested,” Janairo said.

 

Among the signs of rats and mice inside the house are:

Janairo advised residents to use traps or rodenticides to remove and eliminate rodents at home.

 

He said a tracking powder may also be used. The powder sticks to their feet and fur, and is swallowed when the animals groom themselves.

 

“As a precautionary measure, always place traps, baits, and rodent tracking powder in places where children and pets cannot reach them. Use rodenticide products according to label directions and precautions. And also be sure to select traps that are appropriate to the type and size of [the] rodent, such as rat or mouse," Janairo said.

 

He added residents should to keep homes safe from diseases. "Prevention is still the best solution,” he said. — LBG, GMA News