Bulacan gov reiterates to avoid wading in floodwaters that may bring Leptospirosis
CITY OF MALOLOS- Aside from COVID-19 and Dengue, Gov. Daniel R. Fernando stressed to the public to avoid swimming or wading in floodwaters or to use proper protection when exposure to potentially contaminated water.
“Lahat ng sakit na meron tayong magagawa talaga para maiwasan, iwasan na po natin, kagaya ng Leptospirosis. Kasi dito may laban tayo, alam natin ang gagawin, alam natin ang source. ‘Yun pong sa umpisa simpleng pag-iwas, gamutan kapag hindi natin sinunod, minsan buhay ang kabayaran. Mahal po itong singil, ayaw po nating makitang nasasayang ang buhay ng mga Bulakenyo,” Fernando said.
As per the Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit of the Provincial Health Office-Public Heath, there were a total of 11 suspected cases of Leptospirosis with zero death reported from January to July 2021.
They said that they are continuously conducting intensified health education and provision of prophylactic treatment (Doxycycline) to vulnerable population including those who are frequently in flooded areas, responders and policemen.
“Currently, we have distributed 59,400 capsules of Doxycycline in 13 LGUs. Though mababa ang kaso, hindi tayo nagpapabaya para hindi na dumagdag pa sa problemang pangkalusugan ng mga Bulakenyo, at para maiwasan na rin ‘yung pangangailangan na magpunta pa sa mga ospital,” Dr. Jocelyn Gomez, provincial health officer said.
Moreover, the Department of Health also advised the public to drain potentially contaminated water when possible and control rats in the household by using rat traps or rat poison and to maintain cleanliness in the house.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira. In humans, it can cause a wide range of symptoms including fever, non-specific symptoms of muscle pain, headache, calf-muscle pain and reddish eyes from some cases and if left untreated, can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death. ###