Flood leaves Bulacan residents battling leptospirosis, athlete’s foot

Several residents in Bulacan are seeking access to medicine supplies from the local government as the flood has ushered in health problems such as leptospirosis and athlete’s foot.

According to Jonathan Andal’s Friday report on “24 Oras,” at least 10 municipalities in the province remain flooded as of Friday including Meycauayan, Hagonoy, Calumpit and Pulilan.

Also reeling from the floodwaters are the towns of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Paombong, Bocacue, Plaridel, and Obando.

“Kung pwede po sana kung ano po yung makakagamot dito sa amin. ‘Di lamang po kasi kami yung mayroong alipunga, marami rin po roon tapos doon po sa relocation site, marami rin pong may alipunga,” a resident said.

(We’re asking for medicine that may treat our condition. A lot of people here, including those in the relocation site, are suffering from athlete’s foot.)

Dr. Stephanie Chua, a dermatologist, shared a piece of advice on how to prevent athlete’s foot.

“Kunwari po, hindi po natin maiiwasan na nabaha po kayo, kailangan po pag-uwi patuyuin po agad. Meron po kasing ibang sinasabi magpapahinga po muna, mapapasma hindi po pwedeng iligo agad, mali po. Patuyuin po agad ‘yung paa nang maiging maigi,” said Chua.

(They should let their feet dry immediately. Other people say they would rest first but that’s wrong.)

“Minsan po lalagyan pa ng apple cider vinegar. ‘Yung mga ganyan po lalo lang nagpapalala. Lalo pong nala-lacerate yung pagitan ng daliri sa paa at 'yun po yung nagdudulot ng maraming impeksyon,” she added.

(Some even put in apple cider vinegar. Those kinds of treatments aggravate their skin condition. It lacerates their skin which causes infection.)

Governor Daniel Fernando said the provincial government has ample supply of the medicines and residents may go to the municipal or capital health center to obtain it.

Marcos to visit Bulacan on Monday

Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to visit the flood-hit province on Monday, August 7, according to Fernando.

The governor said he will present his proposed long-term solutions against the flooding before Marcos Jr. including the construction of a dam, mass dredging, outlining of a flood management master plan, and the construction of a mega dike that would run from Bataan to Cavite.

“Humingi kami ng tulong baka sakali sila magawa nila. Itong mega dike which is pwedeng i-convert ito na coastal road, toll gate. Laparan, lakihan. Parang yung nasa South Korea,” he said.

(We will ask for help with these projects. The mega dike may be converted into a coastal road or toll gate so that should be widened, like those in South Korea.)

The widespread flood triggered by the incessant rains brought about by the enhanced habagat, and the recent typhoons have caused at least P500 million worth of damage to the agriculture and infrastructure sectors of Bulacan, the report added.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News