MMDA to spray 'good microbes' in flood-affected areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will use bioremediation to help control the spread of disease in areas of the metropolis that were affected by floods.

MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando described the bioremediation spray solution as anti-epidemic and could prevent the spread of dengue and leptospirosis, a bacterial disease transmitted to humans through water that has been contaminated by animal urine, mostly from rats.

“This microbial isolate uses good microbes to combat harmful microbes,” he said.

The solution, once sprayed on garbage piles in the streets, will stop the growth of bacteria and prevent the outbreak of diseases such as dengue, leptospirosis, and various gastro-intestinal diseases, the MMDA said.

The MMDA said it will initially target the streets, alleys, and households, as well as waterways in Barangays Tumana, Nangka and Malanday, some of the areas in Marikina that were the most affected by floods.

“We have to act fast since 10 people have already died in Barangay Malanday alone from leptospirosis,” Fernando said.

The agency is currently utilizing four microbial spray trailers, each with a capacity of 1,000 liters or 300 gallons. These four spray trailers could service 1,000 households a day.

The Disease Prevention and Control Unit of the MMDA’s Health and Public Safety Office is the one tasked to conduct the bioremediation.

Fernando said the agency is preparing to install more microbial spray trailers for the entire metropolis. The trailers, said the MMDA, can be prepared to respond anytime there is a threat of epidemic.