By: Emme Rose Santiagudo
ASIDE from dengue, health officials are also on their toes because of another dreaded infection – leptospirosis.
The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD)-6 warned the public, especially farmers, to be wary of leptospirosis which is spread by rodents.
As of July 6, 2019, the health department recorded 248 leptospirosis cases with 11 deaths in Western Visayas.
Most of the fatalities were farmers, according to Dr. Glen Alonsabe.
While the number is significantly lower compared to the 248 cases and 35 deaths in the same period in 2018, Alonsabe warned the public to be careful as the number might increase when the planting season begins.
“Usually farmers are the highly vulnerable population especially during planting season,” he said.
A leptospirosis outbreak was declared in Guimaras last year.
To prevent another outbreak, Alonsabe appealed to the community to include clearing of clogged drainages and waterways during dengue cleanups.
“Panawagan ko lang na dal-on na lang sa cleanup drive ang pag-drain sang mga clogged canals and waterways,” he said.
He also appealed to the public and the farmers to wash their feet after wading in water.
“Manghugas gid sila tiil after nag-wade and as much as possible wala cuts dapat ila kahig kun mag-wade sila sa tubig,” he stressed.
Alonsabe also advised the farmers to avail of free prophylaxis from the nearest health centers. The medicine can be taken by farmers as preventive measure against leptospirosis.
“Indi sila magself-medicate kadto sila sa pinakamalapit nga health center kun may mga pilas or cuts sila nga nag-wade sa water,” he stressed.
