DOH wants ban on swimming in floods

MANILA, Philippines — As cases of leptospirosis continue to rise, the Department of Health (DOH) plans to ask local government units, especially in flood-prone areas, to ban swimming in floodwaters.

Speaking to reporters yesterday at Malacañang, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa lamented the public’s lack of information about leptospirosis.

“I will recommend to local chief executives, to mayors, to issue an ordinance... to ban swimming in floodwaters,” Herbosa said.

The DOH chief said he would also talk with Education Secretary Sonny Angara to help in educating children about acquiring the disease by swimming in water contaminated with animal urine.

“It’s not a communication problem, it’s a behavior problem. We need a change in behavior,” Herbosa said.

He also called for proper solid waste management as accumulation of garbage attracts rats, the common cause of leptospirosis, adding that most of the cases were in areas affected by the recent flooding due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Herbosa gave assurance that there is no shortage of doxycycline, which is used to treat the disease. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain and headaches.

Reports said a total of 1,444 leptospirosis cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to July 27 this year – a figure 42 percent lower compared to the 2,505 cases in the same period last year.

Dr. Alberto Domingo, DOH spokesman and assistant secretary, said the cases are expected to rise further.

“Not yet included in our latest data are the new cases we have now – those lined up in hospitals. Thus, we are seeing a rise in the number,” Domingo said in a televised interview.

He assured the public that even with the rise, there are still enough beds in hospitals for leptospirosis patients.

“We do not lack hospital beds. There are times, we observe there are hospitals about to get filled with patients but we are still able to manage,” Domingo said.

He reminded the public to seek immediate consultation after wading in floodwaters. — Rhodina Villanueva, Delon Porcalla