Philippines’ health agency raises alarm on leptospirosis amid rain-induced flooding

MANILA, July 24 (Xinhua) — The Philippines’ Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned Filipinos to be alert for leptospirosis as the country grapples with massive flooding due to Typhoon Gaemi.
The DOH issued the alert as Filipinos waded through rising waters that flooded streets and houses in the Philippine capital region in the past few days. Several areas nationwide are still grappling with the rain from Gaemi, which is expected to blow away from the Philippines by Wednesday night or early Thursday.
DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said all health units nationwide must “conduct proactive monitoring and reporting of any untoward health incidents” in flood-affected areas.
Domingo reminded the public of the health risk of leptospirosis due to floodwaters, adding that people may get leptospirosis by wading through floods, with or without open wounds, through exposed skin.
As of July 13, Domingo said the DOH tallied 1,258 leptospirosis cases and 133 deaths. “However, case counts may still rise, especially with recent weather events like the enhanced southwest monsoon,” he added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease affecting humans and animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), humans get infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes, according to the WHO. ■