(PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin on Monday said the sudden surge of leptospirosis cases after massive floods in Metro Manila was due to lack of doxycycline, an antibiotic commonly used to prevent this bacterial infection.
Garin, a former secretary of the Department of Health (DOH), said it is the recurring lapses or failure of the DOH to deliver doxycycline in the provinces before Typhoon Carina and enhanced southwest monsoon hit Luzon.
"Ang problema, may pondo naman para sa libreng doxycycline subalit ang availability on the grounds ay mahirap (The problem, there is fund for free doxycycline but [its] availability on the grounds is difficult),” she said in a news release.
"Ang dapat doon, aggressive, ipadala agad sa lugar at nandoon dapat ang gamot, hindi na pahirapan pa (They should be aggressive, immediately send the antibiotic and don’t make it difficult for them to have access to the medicine),” she said.
Garin, a doctor, said those who waded through the flood, even those without wounds should take doxycycline within 72 hours after being exposed in the flood.
The DOH said there were 67 cases of leptospirosis from July 14 to July 27, bringing to a total number of 1,444 this year, with 162 deaths.
Garin advised the public to seek medical attention if they are experiencing symptoms of leptospirosis.
Among the symptoms include high fever, headache, diarrhea, red eyes, abdominal pain, chills, rash, muscle aches, vomiting and yellow skin or eyes. (PNA)
