The leptos epidemic is spreading to 7 cities, 18 barangays in Metro Manila

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday reported outbreaks in 18 barangays in seven cities in Metro Manila due to the growing number of leptospirosis cases in the past two weeks.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by contact with rodent urine, was reported in the following areas:

Quezon City – Brgy. Handbag (3 boxes), Brgy. Silangan (5), Brgy. Batasan Hills (9), Brgy. Commonwealth (7), Brgy. Clean Novaliches (4), Brgy. Payatas (5), Brgy. Pinyahan (3), Brgy. Vasra (4);

Taguig City – Brgy. Lower Bicutan (5), Brgy. Maharlika Village (3), Brgy. Signal Village (4), Brgy. Western Bicutan (4);

Pasig City – Brgy. Pinagbuhatan (4);

City of Parañaque – Brgy. BF Homes (3), Brgy. San Dionisio (3);

City of Navotas – Brgy. North Bay Blvd. South (3);

Mandaluyong City – Brgy. Addition Hills (3);

Malabon City – Brgy. Concepcion (3)

Duque 1 January to 3 July 2018, Duque reported a total of 368 cases of leptospirosis, with 52 deaths, were reported in Metro Manila. He noted that a sudden increase in the number of cases was observed between June 10 and July 3.

"It is 38 p. This is higher than the average number of cases reported in the previous five years, "said Duque. The reported cases grouped and exceeded the epidemic threshold in the following cities from June 10th to July 3rd of this year:

Quezon City (40 cases in 9 cases), Taguig (16 cases in 4 cases), Parañaque (case 6 in 2 cases)) and Pasig (4 in 1 barangay).

The following cities are advised to be on the alert as cases are noted to be clustered and the risk of increase is high: Navotas (3 in 1 barangay), Mandaluyong (3 in 1 barangay) and Malabon (barangay 3 in 1.)

Duque warns that if it is not treated, leptospirosis can cause kidney failure, brain damage, massive internal bleeding and death.

Cases usually presenting with flu symptoms, followed by one leg pain. Severe cases may have yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin and colored urine.

"We advise those with flu-like symptoms to go to the nearest health centers immediately. "Patients with symptoms similar to leptospirosis should be immediately taken to the nearest health facility for proper diagnosis and treatment," he said.

Duque also alerted hospitals in the region. manage cases and refer them to specialty hospitals as needed. Case detection and reporting has been strengthened in health centers and hospitals.

Additional medical staff were assigned to the National Institute of Kidneys and Transplants as well as drugs and medications needed to treat cases. water, mud or food contaminated by the urine of infected animals such as rats, pigs, dogs, cattle and goats.

The DoH advises the public to avoid wading and walking in flooded and muddy areas and to ensure that food is well cooked and stored.