MANILA, (PIA) — The Malabon City government is urging residents to take precautions against leptospirosis and dengue following the passage of Typhoon Aghon.
Mayor Jeannie Sandoval and health officials warned residents of the dangers posed by stagnant floodwaters, which can become breeding grounds for mosquitos carrying dengue and harbor bacteria that causes leptospirosis.
“Let’s continue to take care of our health especially after Typhoon Aghon. Dengue and leptospirosis can be contracted through floodwater. Keep your surroundings clean to prevent dengue and contact your local health department if you need help,” Mayor Jeannie said in a statement.
“The safety of every Malabonian remains the priority of the city government under Mayor Jeannie. To our dear residents, please keep your surroundings clean and stay vigilant to ensure we stay safe, healthy, and strong during any weather condition or calamity,” City Administrator Dr. Alexander Rosete said.
Malabon City Health Department Officer-in-Charge Dr. Bernadette Bordador advised residents to stay indoors during heavy rains and wear boots when wading through floodwater to avoid contracting leptospirosis.
“If going through floodwater is unavoidable, wash exposed body parts with soap and water immediately. Don’t hesitate to visit your nearest health center to get medication to prevent leptospirosis. Since the bacteria comes from animal urine, keeping our surroundings clean is crucial to deter rodents,” Dr. Bordador said.
The Department of Health (DOH) earlier reported that leptospirosis is caused by leptospira bacteria found in animal urine. People can contract the disease through contact with contaminated water or soil. Symptoms include high fever, headache, chills, red eyes, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, and skin rash.
The City Health Department recorded five suspected cases of leptospirosis with one death from January 1 to May 22 this year. However, all tests conducted on the individuals came back negative for the disease.
Health officials also reminded residents to follow the DOH’s 4S campaign to prevent dengue: Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites, practice self-protection measures, say no to indiscriminate fogging, and seek early consultation.
Dengue is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitos.
Common symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, and skin rash.
As of May 22, the City Health Department logged 281 dengue cases with no deaths.
To ensure residents’ safety, the local government implemented various measures. The city’s command and communication center continuously monitored the situation in different barangays.
Additionally, 54 pumping stations, early warning systems, flood sensors, and rain gauges were deployed. Rescue equipment, such as rubber boats, were also prepositioned.
Malabon City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Head Roderick Tongol reported that floodwaters only reached six inches deep and lasted less than an hour in some areas. No evacuations were necessary during the typhoon’s onslaught last Sunday, May 26.
The MDRRMO is closely monitoring flood-prone areas, and evacuation centers are prepared to house residents during emergencies, Tongol said. (PIA-NCR)
