DOH advises public to beware risks of leptospirosis amid flooding, heavy rains

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, warned the public to remain alert on the risks of leptospirosis amid heavy rains and flooding nationwide.

In a palace briefing, DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo advised the public to follow directives from the local government to avoid further health issues.

He also said that the DOH and doctors from the LGU may issue prophylaxis to combat leptospirosis in case of being submerged in flood.

“Ang sintomas ng lepto, hindi lumabalabas iyan in the next few days — mga two weeks later pa ho pero kung mabibigyan tayo ng gamot agad-agad, hindi po lalabas iyon,” he said.

(Lepto symptoms does not appear in the next few days, but two weeks later unless we get medicine right away, then it won’t appear.)

Domingo advised the public to watch out for the common symptoms of leptospirosis, which include but are not limited to:

• Fever
• Muscle pains
• Yellowing of the skin and the eyes 
• Discoloration of the stool

“Ang mga tinatamaan ho kasi ng lepto ay iyong bato, iyong kidneys kaya madalas nada-dialysis. Pwede rin iyong ating baga, pwede rin iyong ating puso, at kung malala po pati iyong utak, puwedeng tamaan. Pwede pong ma-ICU ang isang pasyente,” Domingo shared.

(Lepto affects the kidneys, which is why they often undergo dialysis. It can also affect the lungs, the heart, and even the brain may be affected in worse cases.)

Domingo advised any individual who may have had any parts if their body submerged in flood to seek medical assistance.

“Ang ginagamit nga naming pahintulad [ay]  iyon pong tubig-baha, parang tubig iyan ng inidoro. Kung tayo nga po ay mapahawak doon, naghuhugas kaagad tayo – so, soap and water kaagad, tapos kumunsulta tayo kasi iyong gamot puwede naman hong ibigay nang libre sa ating mga government health center para huwag po tayong mauwi sa leptospirosis,” he said.

(The comparison that we use is that floodwater is like toilet water. If we accidentally touch it, we wash immediately—so soap and water immediately, and we also have to consult right away because the medicine can be prescribed for free in government health centers so that we don’t end up with leptospirosis.)

Earlier, PAGASA reported that a low pressure area inside the PAR has developed into Tropical Depression Dante.

Two other LPAs were also observed near the Philippines. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/LA, GMA Integrated News