Philippines on alert for leptospirosis surge after recent storms
Leptospirosis is an infection that can be transmitted to humans if they come into contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals.
According to a DOH statement issued on Saturday (Aug 2), 569 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in hospitals across the country from July 13 to 31.
'In connection with the continuous rains caused by the tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon last week, the DOH is on alert for the expected rise in leptospirosis cases in the country,' the department said in Filipino.
'Immediately wash your body after wading in floodwater. Monitor yourself for any symptoms. Even without symptoms, consult a doctor if you have gone into floodwater. Only take leptospirosis medicine if prescribed by your doctor,' the DOH urged the public.
While Crising did not make landfall in the Philippines, it affected the country until it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on the morning of July 19.
Dante also did not make landfall and left the PAR on the afternoon of July 24.
Meanwhile, Emong made landfall in Pangasinan late July 24, then again in Ilocos Sur on the morning of July 25, before exiting the PAR the next day. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
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Philippines on alert for leptospirosis cases surge after days of floods
MANILA (Xinhua): The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday urged vigilance over the surge in leptospirosis cases in the country in the wake of heavy rains and floods triggered by tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon in recent weeks. "Please be reminded that leptospirosis could lead to death. Take action and consult with the doctors if you have symptoms, especially after wading in floodwaters," the DOH warned on social media. The DOH recorded 3,037 leptospirosis cases nationwide from Jan. 1 to July 19 this year. Of the total cases, the agency said 1,114 were recorded after June 8, just a week after the country's state weather bureau declared the start of the rainy season. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly spread through water contaminated with animal urine. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment. Cases of leptospirosis can increase after floods, when people may have to wade through contaminated water. - Xinhua
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a day ago
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Philippines on alert for leptospirosis surge after recent storms
MANILA: The Department of Health (DOH) is anticipating an increase in leptospirosis cases after the onslaught of the southwest monsoon (habagat) and three tropical cyclones in recent weeks. Leptospirosis is an infection that can be transmitted to humans if they come into contact with water contaminated by the urine of infected animals. According to a DOH statement issued on Saturday (Aug 2), 569 cases of leptospirosis were recorded in hospitals across the country from July 13 to 31. 'In connection with the continuous rains caused by the tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon last week, the DOH is on alert for the expected rise in leptospirosis cases in the country,' the department said in Filipino. 'Immediately wash your body after wading in floodwater. Monitor yourself for any symptoms. Even without symptoms, consult a doctor if you have gone into floodwater. Only take leptospirosis medicine if prescribed by your doctor,' the DOH urged the public. While Crising did not make landfall in the Philippines, it affected the country until it exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on the morning of July 19. Dante also did not make landfall and left the PAR on the afternoon of July 24. Meanwhile, Emong made landfall in Pangasinan late July 24, then again in Ilocos Sur on the morning of July 25, before exiting the PAR the next day. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
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