WHO experts to help Leptospirosis Patients

Health News:

Because of the increasing cases of Leptospirosis in the Philippines
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III accompanies the World Health Organization expert team on leptospirosis control headed by Dr. Shin Young –soo (WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific) and Dr. Soe Nyunt-U (WHO Country Representative to the Phil.) during their visit on Wednesday (October 28, 2009) to flooded areas in Binan, Laguna. The team, whose members are drawn from the Global Outbreak Alerts and Response Network (GOARN), will be assisting the Philippine government by providing technical assessment and assistance in the surveillance, epidemiological and clinical care of those who fall sick from the disease. The GOARN team will cover parts of Pangasinan, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon where a heightened alert was declared after the extensive flooding caused by tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng. The Department of Health remains on heightened alert against further outbreak of leptospirosis. As of October 27, a total of 181,932 individuals have been given prophylaxis (for NCR: Marikina-56, 426 persons; Malabon-2,364; Quezon City-25,916; Taguig-19,224; Pateros-4,116; Parañaque-12,166; Pasay-5,948; Muntinlupa-3,533; and Pasig-1,417; for Region IVA: Rizal-19,608; and Laguna-7,652. The DOH also distributed 1.8 million capsules of doxycycline.

He also warned the public not to wade in flood waters and to use protective boots in order to prevent leptospirosis, and other diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis. Leptospirosis is usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with urine of infected animals. The disease’s signs and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In extreme cases, jaundice, abdominal pain, and kidney damage may result.

Leptospirosis’ signs and symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, and yellowing of the skin. All suspected cases are advised to seek medical consultation immediately to prevent complications.

source: http://www.doh.gov.ph/