Amid continuous heavy rains and severe flooding brought by the southwest monsoon, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a warning on Saturday, August 29, urging the public to avoid swimming, playing, or wading in floodwaters to prevent contracting leptospirosis and other water-borne illnesses.
In an official public advisory, the health agency cautioned against venturing into contaminated waters:
“‘Wag maligo o maglaro sa baha,” the DOH stated.
The DOH explained that floodwaters frequently carry urine from infected animals—particularly rodents—which can spread the bacterial disease:
“Ang tubig-baha ay madumi at posibleng maging sanhi ng impeksyon tulad ng Leptospirosis at iba pang waterborne diseases,” the advisory noted.
Warning of the severe consequences associated with late-stage infection, the agency emphasized that extreme cases can lead to steep medical bills and loss of life:
“Hindi biro ang mga komplikasyon na dulot ng Leptospirosis, maaari itong mauwi sa malaking gastos ng gamutan at pagkamatay,” the DOH warned.
Health officials urged anyone who comes into contact with floodwaters—regardless of whether they have visible cuts or open wounds—to visit the nearest health facility, community health center, or YAKAP Clinic promptly. Medical personnel will evaluate whether the patient requires preventive treatment using doxycycline:
“Kung ikaw ay lumusong o na-expose sa baha, may sugat man o wala, magpakonsulta agad sa pinakamalapit na Health Center o YAKAP Clinic upang malaman kung kailangan mo ng doxycycline prophylaxis,” the department advised.
The agency also reminded the public that doxycycline should strictly be taken only with a valid prescription from a medical doctor.
As of Friday, August 28, the health department registered 5,486 leptospirosis cases nationwide between January 4 and August 26. Officials warned that figures could rise over the next two weeks in the aftermath of recent downpours.
Despite the upcoming risk, Health Undersecretary Gloria Balboa pointed out that the current year-to-date count reflects a 23% drop compared to the 7,163 cases recorded during the same period last year.