DOH chief sounds alarm on rising lepto cases

DOH leader rings alarm on rising lepto cases

Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) – July 3, 2018 – 12:00 am

MANILA, Philippines – Secretary of Health Francisco Duque III warned the public yesterday of the increased cases of leptospirosis in the country, highlighting the need to set up an effective garbage collection to control rodents

. they expect more people to contract leptospirosis because the rainy season has just begun. However, he argued that this can be avoided if preventive measures are observed.

"The fact that people are dying of leptospirosis, it's really a cause for alarm.The sad thing is that this disease is preventable as long as everyone else is doing his share, "he noted

in the Manila region alone, the Ministry of Health and the National Capital Region (DOH-NCR). From January 1 to June 29, 90 cases were admitted in various health facilities last week.There were 38 deaths.

This is 60% higher than the 146 cases recorded during the same period in 2017. This also represents 155% more that the average of 92 cases documented annually

.It continues to assure the public that the Ministry of Health is ready to help patients.

The agency had already downloaded some 5 million piastres for the National Institute of Kidney and Transplantation. According to Duque, have an elimination and a collection ad quate and effective garbage can "definitely control the & # 39; rodent infestation", preventing leptospirosis.

"I would like to appeal to our local executive directors to ensure that garbage collection is done 24 hours a day and with sufficient regularity, making sure"

Garbage could attract rodents, the main reservoirs of the bacteria Leptospira that causes leptospirosis

"When an infected rat urinates in flood waters, can contaminate the water." So when you have an open wound and you are wading through the waters, you may be infected. "

He also reiterated the call to the public to avoid wading into the waters, which is the best way to prevent leptospirosis . 19659004] "And if that can not be avoided, always wear rubber boots to protect yourself."

Duque added at the first sign of any symptom of leptospirosis, immediately seek medical attention for appropriate treatment and care.

DOH data show from January 1 to June 9, there were 1,030 cases recorded across the country. Most came from Region 6, followed by Caraga, Region 11, and Region 9.