Rise in leptospirosis cases highlights public health issue
...urges LGUs, DOH to launch massive info campaign

Concerned over the rising number of leptospirosis cases in the country, Senator Nancy Binay today urged the Department of Health and local government units to launch a massive campaign to rid leptospirosis-related casualties in the barangays.

Binay said the DOH, with the help of LGUs, should remain proactive in its objective to inform the public of the symptoms of the disease and how to avoid it.

"We need to solicit people's participation and find community-level ways to prevent the spread of the disease. Nakaka-alarma na po ang pagtaas ng bilang ng leptospirosis cases sa bansa, lalo na po sa Kamaynilaan," Binay said.

The senator said flood control remains to be a big challenge to LGUs and combating leptospirosis is a bigger challenge.

"The rise in leptospirosis highlights a public health issue. There's a need to make giant steps towards addressing the disease by engaging all sectors including those in charge of public works," Binay added.

She also sought the help of local government executives down to the barangay level to help in the information campaign, and in clearing drainage systems and areas where rats commonly stay.

"Ang panawagan po sa ngayon sa ating mga LGUs ay ang palagiang linisin at tanggalan ng bara ang mga drainage systems sa kanilang mga nasasakupan upang maiwasan ang pagkalat ng leptospirosis," she said.

Binay said that it is still best to prevent the spread of the disease

"There is a need for a concerted effort from all fronts in immediately spreading awareness regarding leptospirosis," she said in Senate Resolution number 783.

Binay said there is a need to proactively address the prevalence of the disease, especially ways to avoid it.

"Kailangan din pong malaman kung ano ang mga sintomas nito, upang maagapan agad ang mga posibleng kaso," she added.

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 ranges from none to headaches, muscle pains and fever, to bleeding.

The Health department last weekend declared outbreaks in 10 more barangays in Metro Manila, bringing to 28 the number of barangays affected by the disease.

These were in Quezon City, Taguig, Pasig, Parañaque, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Malabon, and Caloocan.

The department added that from January 1 to June 23, there 1,085 reported cases of leptospirosis, a 35 percent increase from the same period in 2017.

In Metro Manila, there were 454 reported cases, with 58 deaths as of July 5.