A couple of children playfully wades in flood waters in Dagupan City at the height of Typhoon Carina unmindful of the dangers posed by prolonged exposure to contaminated floodwaters waters which can cause wound infections and even leptospirosis.
DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Regional Director warns residents against the spread W.I.L.D. diseases (Water-borne diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue) as widespread flooding in various areas of in the region are being experienced due to the continuous incessant rains brought about by the northeast monsoon.
“Sa mga residenteng lubog sa baha, iwasan po nating magbabad o maglaro sa tubig-baha dahil maari itong kontaminado ng iba’t-ibang bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms na makakapagdulot ng mga sakit gaya ng leptospirosis, influenza, diarrhea at iba pa,” Sydiongco stated, stressing that prevention and proper protection is extremely helpful.
“Magsuot naman ng bota kung kailangang lumusong sa baha at kapote o paying naman upang hindi mabasa ng ulan. At huwag kalilimutang maghugas ng kamay at paa o maligo pag-uwi upang masigurong malinis ang inyong katawan,” she emphasized.
“Sa mga residenteng nakararanas ng lagnat, pananakit ng kalamnan, may pangingig, pananakit ng ulo at katawan, nagtatae, pamamantal, paninilaw ng balat at pamumula ng mata, magpakunsulta agad sa duktor upang maagapan at mabigyan ng lunas ang inyong karamdaman.”
The regional office has already prepositioned and distributed anti-W.I.L.D. diseases equipment and other medical supplies including insecticides, larvicides, insecticide-treated screens, dengue NS1 (nonstructural protein 1) rapid diagnostic tests, antigen and antibody tests, oral rehydration salt, paracetamol, and prophylactic antibiotics in all provincial DOH and provincial government health offices and ready to be distributed to LGUs.
All public health facilities were placed on code white status to respond to emergencies and provide immediate assistance and guidance in health emergency response situations.
Sydiongco also advised the public to seek medical consultation first on taking prophylaxis against leptospirosis to get the right dose.
“Also, for those who are staying in evacuation centers to constantly wash their hands with soap and clean water to prevent the spread of diseases,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) recorded a total of 29 leptospirosis cases from January 1, 2024 to June 29, 2024.
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