DOH warns of possible leptospirosis outbreak in Region 8

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 2 (PNA) -– The Department of Health (DOH) has warned residents in low lying communities of possible leptospirosis outbreak as more rains have been dumped in the region in the past three weeks.

In January, two young males from this city and in Naval, Biliran contracted the disease after crossing flooded areas with waters contaminated by rat urine, the source of the bacterial disease.

Roderick Boyd Cerro, chief of the DOH Eastern Visayas regional epidemiology and surveillance unit, said local health workers have been instructed to step up information drive to prevent the leptospirosis disease.

“Most victims are male and farmers since they usually cross flooded areas,” Cerro said.

The DOH has prepositioned prophylaxis drugs near flood-prone communities to be taken by highly susceptible population.

Cerro advised those who wade in flood waters to observe symptoms of the bacterial disease that has an incubation period of seven to 10 days. 

Among the symptoms of leptospirosis in its early stages are high fever, muscle pains, chills, eye redness, abdominal pains, vomiting, rashes, and diarrhea. 

If left untreated, leptospirosis could lead to urinary problems that, in turn, could lead to kidney failure. (PNA)
FFC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO