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[av_heading heading=’Antique has 6 cases of leprosy – PHO’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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Sunday, February 12, 2017
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SAN JOSE, Antique – There are six leprosy cases in Antique but they no longer need to go to the Western Visayas Sanitarium because they can be treated as out-patients, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Antique.
Leprosy is now curable, stressed PHO Infectious Disease Cluster head Aben Cardenal.
Leprosy causes severe, disfiguring skin sores and nerve damage in the arms and legs. The disease has been around since ancient times, often surrounded by terrifying, negative stigmas and tales of leprosy patients being shunned as outcasts.
“Leprosy has been eliminated as a health problem but we should not hold our guards down because anyone can still get infected with the disease,” Cardenal stressed during the radio program of the Philippine Information Agency in this capital town.
In Region 6, Western Visayas Sanitarium in Santa Barbara, Iloilo is the acknowledged go-to place for leprosy-related concerns. It was established in June 1927 as a treatment station for leprosy patients. In 2005, it expanded its services to a general hospital.
Leprosy is caused by Mycobacterium leprae transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close contacts with untreated cases.
The symptoms include pale or reddish skin patches that are neither itchy nor painful, said Cardenal.
Leprosy can be eliminated by multidrug therapy. The drug is free and available at the nearest health center, said Cardenal.
The PHO infectious disease cluster head urged Antiqueños who suspect they may have been infected with the disease to immediately consult with the nearest health facility.
There is a need for early detection to cure it before it becomes serious, said Cardenal. (PIA-Antique/PN)
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