Ilocos region: The Department of Health (DOH) - Ilocos Region's Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) has recorded 83 leptospirosis cases with six deaths from Jan. 1 to Aug. 8 this year.
According to Philippines News Agency, Pangasinan has the most leptospirosis cases with 52, followed by La Union with 13, Ilocos Norte with 12, and Ilocos Sur with 6. The number is 53 percent lower compared to the same period last year, with 177 cases. Nonetheless, DOH-Ilocos reminds residents to take precautionary measures against leptospirosis amid flooding due to heavy rainfall.
Officer-in-charge for Local Health Support Division and head of the Regional Communicable Disease Cluster Dr. Rheuel Bobis, in a statement on Wednesday, recommended the use of appropriate protective equipment, such as waterproof boots for those who need to wade through floodwaters, and to wash affected areas thoroughly with clean water and soap. He also cautioned the public not to self-medicate with doxycycline or other antibiotics after exposure to floodwater.
"Doxycycline is a prescription medicine, and the need for post-exposure prophylaxis depends on the individual's level and type of exposure. One needs to have a medical checkup at the nearest health center for proper assessment and medical advice," he said.
Residents should also remain alert for possible symptoms of leptospirosis that may include fever, headache, muscle or calf pain, chills, vomiting, abdominal pain, red eyes, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. Symptoms can appear days or even weeks after exposure, so individuals with a history of floodwater contact should remain vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms develop, the DOH stated.
DOH-Ilocos urged the public to continue following official health and safety advisories during periods of heavy rain and flooding. Leptospirosis is a potentially serious bacterial infection that may be acquired through contact with floodwater or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. The risk is higher when contaminated water enters cuts, wounds, or other openings in the skin.
The public is strongly advised to avoid wading, swimming, or unnecessarily walking through floodwaters. Residents should also keep wounds covered and avoid exposing open cuts or broken skin to potentially contaminated water.
