DOH wages war vs rodents

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday declared an all-out war against rodents in a bid to curb the rising incidence of leptospirosis.

Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH-National Capital Region (NCR) director, called on the public to destroy breeding sites of rodents.

“Everyone should avoid contact with rodents, remove their food sources, water and items that could provide them shelter. Seal holes inside and outside our homes in order to prevent their entry,” Janairo said.

He said rodents must be kept outside homes so that they will not multiply and be prevented from spreading leptospirosis and other diseases.

“Rodents such as rats and mice are the primary carriers of the leptospirosis virus,” Janairo said.

He said a house could be infested with rodents if rodent droppings around food packages, drawers or cupboards or under the sink can be seen regularly.

Other evidence of rat infestation are nesting materials such as shredded paper, fabric or dried plant matter; signs of gnawing and chewing on food packaging or structures; and damaged structures providing entry points into the home, such as small holes along corners and under cabinets and stale smells of their urine coming from hidden areas.

Janairo advised the public to use traps or rodenticides to remove and eliminate rodents at home.

As a precautionary measure, Janairo said traps, baits and rodent tracking powder should be placed in areas that cannot be reached by children.

“Use rodenticide products according to label directions and precautions. And also be sure to select traps that are appropriate to the type and size of rodent, such as rat or mouse. Always endeavor to keep our home safe from diseases. Prevention is still the best solution,” he said.

In Metro Manila alone, the DOH has recorded 583 leptospirosis cases, including 48 deaths from Jan. 1 to Nov. 12. The figure was 247 percent higher than the 168 cases recorded last year.

Quezon City and Manila top the lists of cities with the most number of leptospirosis cases with 103 and 137, respectively.