Pangasinan: The provincial government of Pangasinan and the local government units (LGUs) are in close coordination on interventions to curb the rise in leptospirosis cases in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, during an online forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency-Pangasinan, Provincial Health Office (PHO) assistant department head Dr. Ronn Allen Teniozo reported that the province recorded 334 leptospirosis cases from January 1 to September 14 this year, marking an 83 percent increase compared to the 182 cases during the same period last year. He noted that there have been 25 deaths recorded during this period, slightly lower than the 28 deaths reported last year.

Dr. Teniozo highlighted that Dagupan City has the highest number of leptospirosis cases, while the towns of Mangaldan, Binmaley, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Bayambang, and San Carlos City are under close monitoring by the PHO. "We are conducting active surveillance focusing on areas where there is clustering of cases," he stated.

The PHO, in collaboration with its local counterparts, has implemented various interventions in the affected areas, including cleanup drives, information campaigns, and the provision of preventive medicines. Dr. Teniozo mentioned that they are working closely with government and private hospitals to provide appropriate medicines such as doxycycline, which can be availed for free based on doctors' risk assessment.

To mitigate exposure during flooding, LGUs have implemented preemptive evacuation measures. Dr. Teniozo advised residents to seek medical consultation immediately if they experience symptoms such as fever, body pain, and headache. He emphasized that individuals with occupational hazards due to exposure to floodwaters or mud contaminated with animal urine are most vulnerable to the disease.

He concluded by advising that if it is unavoidable to wade in floodwaters or soil, residents should wear protective equipment such as boots, gloves, a facemask, and eye protection.