DOH intensifies Mindoro anti-leptospirosis drive

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its campaign to prevent the spread of leptospirosis in typhoon-affected areas in Oriental Mindoro.

Eduardo Janairo, DOH-MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan) director, said they have started distributing medicine for leptospirosis prevention.

Janairo said the DOH is also coordinating with the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine to confirm suspected leptospirosis cases.

“Patients should be treated early to avoid fatal complications like kidney and respiratory failure,” he said.

The DOH-MIMAROPA epidemiological surveillance unit reported 50 suspected cases of leptospirosis, including four deaths, in Oriental Mindoro from Dec. 27 to Dec. 31.