All individuals who waded through floodwaters in the past weeks are advised to urgently seek medical attention to avoid water-borne diseases, such as leptospirosis.
Health authorities have reiterated their call for the public affected by flooding in recent weeks to visit health facilities nearest them and get prophylaxis or preventive care against the disease caused by the bacteria Leptospira from animal urine.
“Kami nagapangabay nga kung may yara pa nga naka-ubog sa tubig-baha kag wala pa nakabaton sang prophylaxis nga bulong, ukon wala pa nalambutan sang aton mga Rural Health Unit [RHU], palihog magkadto ukon magbisita sa pinakamalapit nga RHU ukon hospital para malikawan naton ang sakit nga leptospirosis,” said Dr. Gabby Palacios, chief of the Ignacio Lacson Arroyo Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Negros Occiental’s Isabela town.
Palacios, in a statement, emphasized that prophylaxis is given to an individual to lessen the risk of catching the disease; hence her plea to residents who were exposed to floodwaters to have themselves checked by a medical professional, especially when symptoms start to show.
“Ang prophylaxis indi pwede inumon nga wala sang advice sang aton mga doctor … Ang dosage sini nakadepende sa aton exposure sa kontaminado nga tubig,” the doctor also pointed out.
The Department of Health (DOH) Negros Island Region – Center for Health Development (NIR-CHD) tags leptospirosis as a serious disease with the following symptoms: fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, red eyes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), vomiting or loose bowel movement, and rashes.
Meanwhile, to reduce one’s risk of acquiring leptospirosis, health officials advise religiously washing areas of the body exposed to floodwater with soap and water, wearing waterproof boots and bandages to cover wounds, not wading in floodwaters as much as possible, and scheduling a consultation in a health facility for a doctor’s recommendation.
According to DOH NIR-CHD, 26 cases have been recorded from November 1 to 22 this year, with patients ranging from as young as eight to 66 years old. (PIA – Negros Occidental)