By CESAR JOLITO III
With nine deaths already linked to leptospirosis this year and thousands of residents exposed to contaminated floodwaters, the Bacolod City government has intensified its post-flood health response by expanding the distribution of free prophylaxis medicine across all affected communities.
Following the widespread flooding triggered by Tropical Depression “Verbena,” Mayor Greg Gasataya ordered the City Health Office (CHO) to scale up its preventive campaign, citing the urgent need for early protection as 33 barangays were submerged in chest-deep water at the height of the storm.
CHO chief Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli said health teams have been deployed to barangays, evacuation centers and high-risk areas to provide medical assessments and distribute doxycycline or azithromycin to exposed residents.
“If you were exposed to floodwater, immediately drink the medicine. Don’t wait for the symptoms because the effect will be delayed. This is free, so you don’t have to worry,” Gensoli stressed, urging residents to seek screening at health posts.
Gasataya called on residents who waded through floodwaters to coordinate with their barangay health centers for assessment and free medicines.
“We want to prevent more cases. Early protection is the key,” the mayor said, assuring that supplies will be maintained while the city remains on heightened leptospirosis monitoring.
The CHO recorded two recent fatalities due to leptospirosis involving a 30-year-old resident of Barangay Mansilingan who died on November 25, and a 16-year-old from Barangay Sum-ag who died on November 23.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe body pain, red eyes, headache, chills, and jaundice — signs that require immediate medical attention.
Health teams on heightened alert
The CHO said the city’s preparedness improved after preemptive antibiotic distribution began during Typhoon “Tino,” allowing teams to respond quickly as flood incidents escalated over the past week.
Health authorities clarified that the prophylaxis is not for walk-in self-medication.
Screening is required, especially for pregnant women, individuals with underlying health conditions, and those already showing symptoms, who must undergo full assessment at the nearest health center or CHO./CJ, WDJ