The Davao City Health Office (CHO) announced that prophylactic medicines to prevent leptospirosis are available from local health centers.
CHO Head Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon made the assurance amid the rainy season, when incidents of leptospirosis infection tend to increase. He emphasized that health centers do not only provide the necessary medicines but are also manned by health personnel who are ready to assist individuals at risk.
Dr. Ababon admitted that leptospirosis remains a serious health concern in Davao City.
“Karon ting-ulan, panahon sa bagyo og tig-ulan, sa bahin sa panlawas maglikay ta sa tubig baha. Sa tinuod lang, delikado ang leptospirosis karon kay daghan og mamatay kung dili dayon matambalan ( Now that it’s rainy and typhoon season, we should avoid floodwaters. Leptospirosis is dangerous and can be deadly if not treated immediately),” Ababon warned.
He advised the public to stay indoors during heavy rains and avoid stepping into floodwaters. If unavoidable, wearing rain boots is highly recommended.
“Protektahi ang kaugalingon. Pero kung mabasa gyud, naa ta’y health center. Naa tay gitawag nga prophylaxis nga naa sa tanang health centers sa tibuok Davao. Maskin asa ka muadto, naa gyud tay tambal para sa leptospirosis (Protect yourself. But if you do get exposed, our health centers are equipped with prophylaxis medicines available citywide. No matter which health center you go to, we have medicine for leptospirosis.),” he said.
He also encouraged residents to visit health centers if they experience symptoms. Even if a doctor is not available, midwives can guide patients and provide initial care.
“In case you feel symptoms, go to the health center. If there are no doctors available, our midwives are trained to assist and refer patients properly,” he added.
Ababon strongly urged those exposed to floodwaters to monitor their health and act quickly if symptoms occur.
“Palihog lang, kung nakalusong mo sa baha unya pipila ka adlaw nga naa nay kalintura, adto dayon og health center. Taas kaayo og mortality rate ang leptospirosis (Please, if you’ve waded in floodwaters and developed a fever within a few days, immediately visit a health center. Leptospirosis has a very high mortality rate),” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Ababon also noted that the CHO is intensifying its dengue interventions. He mentioned that the city will soon implement citation tickets for individuals who fail to clean potential mosquito breeding sites. CIO
