By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Ted Herbosa on Monday (02 Sept 2024) warned the public against leptospirosis and other skin diseases that may be acquired from flood waters.
“Nagre-reminder tayo ngayon na ‘wag sanang mag-swimming sa mga maduming tubig na baha at ikaw ay nakalusob, hindi maiwasan, binaha ang baha niyo, importante na maghugas [gamit ang] sabon at tubig,” Herbosa said in a radio interview, noting that there has been over 700 cases logged weeks after Typhoon Carina hit the country which caused flood in areas nationwide.
“Marami pang iba na nakaka-cause ng skin disease—so, soap and water at kung may sugat mag-konsulta [sa physician],” he added.
The DOH official said that symptoms of leptospirosis will be seen two weeks after exposure from flood waters.
He also advised the parents not to allow the children to swim in flood waters.
Herbosa said that those who have waded in flood should watch out for the possible symptoms of leptospirosis to have proper medication.
ia/mnm
