Health officials in Metro Manila distributed to local government units Friday doxycycline capsules to prevent the spread of leptospirosis among residents affected by the recent heavy rain and floods.
Department of Health Metro Manila director Eduardo Janairo said the capsules may help prevent the spread of the disease in evacuation centers.
“We have to avert the possible increase of leptospirosis cases not only in evacuation centers but also to flooded communities in Metro Manila. Because we cannot prevent people from wading in floodwaters, we are providing prophylaxis for them so that they will not be affected by leptospirosis,” Janairo said in a
news release on the DOH website.
The DOH allocated 11 boxes of doxycycline capsules to each of the 17 LGUs in Metro Manila. Each box contains 1,000 100-mg capsules.
According to the World Health Organization,
leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. "Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment," WHO said.
"In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, haemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhoea, and rash," it added.
Local governments that previously received their allotment will be given additional stocks to augment their supply.
High fever
Janairo also advised hospitals to immediately provide Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) to treat patients with high fever.
As for those who cannot avoid wading in floodwaters, he said they should make sure to wear protective gear.
"(I)f you have any cuts and bruises, it is best not to go into the water anymore to avoid contracting the disease,” he said.
100 mg weekly
Janairo said each person will be given one 100mg doxycycline capsule weekly for protection against leptospirosis.
Two capsules will be given to rescuers and those who are directly exposed to flood waters.
Earlier, Health Secretary Enrique Ona said that there is enough supply of doxycycline for those in the evacuation centers and people in the flooded communities all over the region.
Meanwhile, other medicines were also provided to affected LGUs like paracetamol, amoxicillin, cotrimoxazole, lagundi and other essential drugs to help in the treatment of patients in evacuation centers.
Rubber boots and raincoats were also provided.
Community Health Teams (CHTs) were deployed to various evacuation centers to provide medical assistance.
“For our safety and that of our family, let us avoid wading in the flood. If unavoidable, always practice proper personal hygiene and wash your feet and hands with soap and clean water immediately after. It is sufficient enough in preventing and controlling the spread of microorganisms that cause diseases,” Janairo said. — RSJ, GMA News
source: gmanetwork.com
