Bulacan intensifies Leptospirosis prevention and control measures

CITY OF MALOLOS – In order to prevent the increase of the numbers affected by leptospirosis this rainy season, the Provincial Government of Bulacan through the Provincial Health Office-Public Health is implementing intensified control measures especially in places where reported cases of the said disease were high.

Acting Governor Daniel R. Fernando emphasized the importance of prevention more than cure.

“Higit na mabuting maiwasan na magkaroon pa ng ganitong sakit para hindi na rin tayo nangangamba sa kalusugan at buhay ng ating mga kapwa Bulakenyo, kung
may paraang maiwasan gawin na,” Fernando said.

According to Dr. Jocelyn Gomez, head of the PHO-PH, one of the measures to control leptospirosis is proper and full information dissemination through the use of Facebook, local radio airing, and a broadcast shown in the LED Billboard in the Capitol Compound.

They also distributed medicines like Doxycycline Hyclate as prophylactic regimen, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ointments to aid scratches or bruises exposed and conducted sanitary education wherein the importance of washing the uncovered and affected area with soap and running water were emphasized.

“Nakukuha ang sakit na ito sa paglusong sa baha na kadalasang mayroong ihi ng daga, aso at iba pang uri ng hayop. Natural habitat kasi ng mga daga yung leptospira, doon sila nabubuhay kaya mas madalas sa ihi ng daga talaga nakukuha ang leptospirosis,” Gomez said.

The PHO–PH Disease Surveillance Officer Brian Alfonso said that leptospirosis cases in the province of Bulacan are not as high as that of Metro Manila’s statistic reports.

Dengue Surveillance of PESU accounted 11 suspected leptospirosis cases from January 1- July 2018 that were gathered from different Disease Reporting Units of the province. One suspected death case from Norzagaray was also reported.
The PGB continuously monitors the rate case of leptospirosis in order to prevent the outbreak with the help and coordination of different barangays while keeping the people updated to this disease.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria called leptospira interogans. This is characterized by fever, headache, chills and severe pain in the thigh or legs. In severe case, this can lead to kidney damage.