MANILA – The Department of Health and local government units were urged to launch a massive campaign against leptospirosis.
The DOH has declared a leptospirosis outbreak in 10 more barangays in Metro Manila, bringing to 28 the total number of villages affected by the disease.
“We need to solicit people’s participation and find community-level ways to prevent the spread of the disease,” said Sen. Nancy Binay. “Nakaka-alarma na po ang pagtaas ng bilang ng leptospirosis cases sa bansa, lalo na po sa Kamaynilaan.”
About 1,085 cases of leptospirosis so far this year were reported between Jan. 1 and June 23.
The figure was 35 percent more than the number recorded during the same period last year, Binay said, citing Health department data.
In Metro Manila alone, there were 454 reported cases, with 58 deaths as of July 5, the senator said.
The DOH and the LGUs must “remain proactive” in their leptospirosis prevention campaign, Binay said in Senate Resolution 783.
“The rise in leptospirosis highlights a public health issue,” she said. “There’s a need to make giant steps toward addressing the disease by engaging all sectors, including those in charge of public works.”
Local governments must help clear drainage systems and areas where rats commonly stay, said Binay.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which is spread by animal urine or water containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in the skin, eyes, mouth, or nose.
Signs and symptoms range from none to headaches, muscle pains, fever, and bleeding. The disease can cause bleeding of the lungs, meningitis and kidney failure./PN
