Leptospirosis Outbreak Declared In 18 Barangays; DOH Warns Public

DOH Warns Public About Leptospirosis

LEPTOSPIROSIS – The Department of Health is warning the public about the Leptospirosis.

Most especially during the rainy season, there are cases of Leptospirosis in the different hospitals around the Philippines. Based on a report, the DOH has recently declared an outbreak in certain areas in the country.

Undeniably, there are areas that are prone to flood and, unfortunately, there is a risk that the water is contaminated by animal urine that can cause the said infection.

Recently, it is stated on a report on Remate that the Department of Health has declared an outbreak in 18 barangays in Manila. Records show that within January 1 to July 3, there are 368 cases of the said infection in the region. There are 52 people who did not survive.

Flood
Photo lifted from News Straits Times [EPA Image]
According to DOH, Leptospirosis which can cost a life can be acquired even just from a splash of contaminated water in the eyes. DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III also stressed that Leptospirosis may also be taken from the urine of pigs, goats, and cats and as well as a contaminated mud.

In an interview, the Health Secretary reportedly expressed that the infection can also be acquired from drinking a contaminated water.

“Kung medium risk ka, may sugat ka sa paa, nasulong ka sa baha, nawisikan ka sa mata — kahit na tubig lang sa mata ha, magkakaroon ka ng leptospirosis niyan — mainom mo iyung tubig, talagang magkakaroon ka ng lepto,” he said.

According to the report, DOH Sec. Duque advises the public to see a doctor immediately in cases of being exposed to contaminated water. There is an antibiotic against the said infection.

The usual symptoms of this infection are the fever, chills, muscle pain, and headache. The person who is infected may also experience vomiting and redness of the eyes.

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