EDITORIAL - Swimming in floods

Following the spike in leptospirosis cases in the aftermath of the monsoon-enhanced Typhoon Carina, authorities had raised the possibility of banning swimming in floodwaters. Last Friday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority passed a regulation banning swimming for fun in the National Capital Region. The MMDA urged local government units in the NCR to fine-tune the ban through local ordinances, ensure proper implementation and set appropriate penalties.

Since the start of the year until Aug. 3, the Department of Health had recorded 2,115 leptospirosis cases nationwide, with 255 between July 21 and Aug. 3 alone amid the onslaught of the monsoon-enhanced Carina. From Aug. 8 to 13, another 523 cases were recorded in DOH hospitals, with 43 deaths attributed to leptospirosis within just three weeks and 243 patients needing kidney dialysis.

The Leptospira bacteria is spread through the urine of animals, including rodents, dogs and livestock. The infected urine can contaminate soil or water, and can enter the body through open wounds, minor skin breaks and body orifices. Its early symptoms resemble common illnesses and wrong diagnosis is not unusual. If wrongly diagnosed and treated, leptospirosis can kill quickly.

The DOH has advised those who are forced to wade into floods and who fear infection that doxycycline can be taken as an antibiotic prophylaxis. The drug is available by prescription, with a price freeze in place until Sept. 23.

A bigger problem for health authorities is the popularity across the country of swimming for fun in floods and playing during heavy downpours, especially among children. This may not be a problem in rural areas with little pollution, but it poses a serious health risk in densely populated and highly polluted urban centers led by Metro Manila.

San Juan has set a fine of up to P2,000, depending on the frequency of the violation of the ban, and warned that parents of children caught swimming for fun in floodwaters would face penalties. An information drive will be conducted on leptospirosis and the swimming ban.

The DOH wants the ban and information campaign to go hand-in-hand with LGU efforts to promote proper waste disposal, to keep drainage systems clean and prevent rodent infestation. Leptospirosis can be avoided and treated, and deaths from the bacterial illness can be prevented. Clean surroundings can go a long way in preventing infections.