MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health Wednesday has placed all its units all over the country on “Code White Alert” against Leptospirosis.
According to the DOH, “Code White Alert” refers to the readiness of hospital manpower like general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists, and otorhinolaryngologists, to respond to any emergency situation.
“With the inclement weather and flooding in various areas brought about by the Southwest Monsoon strengthened by Tropical Storm Carina, the Department of Health (DOH) has declared a Code White Alert in all its Centers for Health Development (regional offices) nationwide, as well as for the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM),” the DOH said in its latest statement.
This means the health department shall closely monitor and report any untoward health incidents to the DOH via its Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) integrated information system linked to the HEMB Operations Center (OPCEN).
As the southwest monsoon or Habagat, enhanced by Tropical Cyclone Carina continues to flood most of Metro Manila, the DOH issued a public warning about the health risks of Leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by many animals, such as rodents and other vermin. It is transmitted through contact with floodwaters or soil/mud/dirt with or without visible wounds through exposed skin because waste products (e.g., urine and feces) of an infected animal, especially rats, contaminate the soil, water, and vegetation.
“Mas mabuti pong umiwas sa baha at putik para makaiwas magka-Lepto. Sa mga kailangangang lumusong, gumamit ng bota hanggang tuhod. Hugasan agad ang katawan ng malinis na tubig at sabon pagkatapos. Kumonsulta agad sa doktor, wag maging kampante kasi matagal lumabas ang sintomas,” said Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa.
Leptospirosis tally
As of July 13, the total number of Leptospirosis cases stands at 1,258.
This goes in contrast with the record six weeks prior to July 13 which saw a downtrend in numbers – from 175 (June 2-15) to 154 (June 16-29) to 111 (June 30 to July 13).
Cases are expected to rise especially with the prevailing monsoon.
Symptoms
According to the DOH, Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, and headache.
Some feel distinct pain in the calf muscles, and reddish eyes. Severe cases may have jaundice (yellowish body discoloration), dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache. Many of these symptoms can be mistaken for other diseases; some people have no symptoms.
It generally takes 2-30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis. Immediate consultation after being exposed to flood waters is highly recommended for preventive measures as well as early management.
