DOH expects increase in leptospirosis cases after Ompong

The Department of Health (DOH) is expecting an increase in leptospirosis cases in the aftermath of Typhoon Ompong.

At a press briefing in Tuguegarao City on Sunday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the funding for the first aid for the leptospirosis is included in the initial P24 million budget released for the regional offices of DOH affected by Ompong.

“Kaya mayroon tayong mga gamot, antibiotics, doxycycline, we expect a surge in leptospirosis cases,” Duque said.

“Andiyan rin 'yung chlorine tablets na inihahalo sa tubig para mainom, hygiene kits, at iba pa,” he added.

Duque also said that the government has deployed rapid health emergency teams to Cagayan Valley, the region most affected by Ompong.

According to Duque, there are 51,726 individuals staying in 506 evacuation centers in Cagayan Valley, and that common ailments include acute respiratory infection, hypertension and difficulty in breathing.

Duque, however, said the government is on top of the situation by citing that aside from the initial P24 million for DOH regional office, another P6 million has been released for Regions 1, 2, 3 and Cordillera Administrative Region.

“Sinisiguro po natin na ang ating serbisyo ay nabebenepisyuhan ang ating mga evacuees, including water sanitation and hygiene, as well as mental health and psychosocial services,” he said. —KBK, GMA News