The Department of Health on Monday confirmed 19 new cases of leptospirosis admitted at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute.
During the last week of July, Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo said they had received reports about 97 cases and now, there’s an additional 19 cases at the NKTI.
Speaking in an interview over Balitanghali, Domingo said there were seven leptospirosis cases in Dagulan, Pangasinan due to massive floodings in the said area.
He noted that leptospirosis cases had increased compared to previous years, but he also assured the public that the DoH, with the help of other local government agencies, was ready to address the needs of leptospirosis patients.
Domingo reminded the public, especially those who have walked through floodwaters, to immediately go to a hospital or clinic and take proper medication.
Leptospirosis, a possibly fatal bacterial disease that affects humans and animals alike, is caused by the spiral-shaped Leptospira bacteria, which spread through the urine of infected animals.
The World Health Organization warned that floods “can potentially increase the transmission” of a water-borne disease like leptospirosis.
In June, the DoH said it would study data from various hospitals to determine if there was a need to declare a leptospirosis outbreak.
Concerned over the rising number of leptospirosis cases in the country, Senator Nancy Binay has called on the DoH and local government units to launch a massive campaign to rid leptospirosis-related casualties in the barangays.
Binay said the DoH, with the help of LGUs, should remain proactive in its objective to inform the public of the symptoms of the disease and how to avoid it.
“We need to solicit people’s participation and find community-level ways to prevent the spread of the disease,” Binay said.
The senator said flood control remained a big challenge to LGUs and combating leptospirosis was a bigger challenge.
“The rise in leptospirosis highlights a public health issue. There’s a need to make giant steps towards addressing the disease by engaging all sectors including those in charge of public works,” Binay added.
She also sought the help of local government executives down to the barangay level to help in the information campaign, and in clearing drainage systems and areas where rats commonly stay.”‹ “‹