HEALTH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa plans to seek the help of the Department of Education (DepEd) in educating children on the health risks of swimming in floodwater, as leptospirosis is commonly contracted through contaminated water.
Herbosa said the Philippines recorded 255 new leptospirosis cases from July 21 to August 3, a 17 percent increase from the 217 cases during the period of July 7 to 20.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Department of Health (DoH) said that from the start of 2024 until August 3, the total number of recorded leptospirosis cases nationwide is at 2,115 cases, which is lower by 23 percent compared to the 2,757 cases reported in the same period last year.
Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa sign a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of Tourist First Aid Facilities in different tourist spots across the country. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA
However, DoH epidemiologists have been cautious in interpreting trends as there could be late reports, and the incubation period of the disease ranges from two to 30 days, with a clinically observed average of seven to 14 days.
There had been 224 fatalities from the start of the year until August 3.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial blood infection caused by the leptospira bacteria caused by wading or swimming in floodwaters with infected pee of pests such as rodents.
The country has been experiencing a surge in leptospirosis cases over the past few weeks, with reported overloading of hospitals such as the National Kidney and Transplant Institute and San Lazaro Hospital.
Herbosa said that the surge is a “behavioral” problem.
“I’d like to discuss with the DepEd how to teach children early on that they should not swim in floodwaters. I’d also like to discuss with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority how to improve solid waste management because rats live in garbage, and rats are the reason for leptospirosis,” Herbosa said.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora expressed support for the call of Herbosa to ban children from swimming in flood waters.
In a statement released on his social media account, Zamora said he sees the merit in imposing the ban.
“Each respective LGU will have the authority to impose fines or any penalties they deem appropriate, at their own discretion, for violators of this prohibition,” Zamora said in a statement.
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