Plagues,
Pestilences and Diseases
Water borne Diseases are killing hundreds of people in flood
hit regions of the Philippines
Posted by Online on Jan 7th, 2012
15 confirmed dead from leptospirosis
COTABATO CITY, Philippines – An outbreak of a flood-borne disease
that had killed hundreds in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities last
Dec. 17 is killing people who had survived the disaster that
struck the two cities at the height of Tropical Storm “Sendong,”
according to local authorities.
At least 15 people (eight from Cagayan de Oro City and seven from
Iligan City) died of leptospirosis and 200 others turned ill and
have been taken to hospitals as of Thursday.
They traced the upsurge of the flood-borne disease to the failure
of survivors to take antibiotics (doxycycline) distributed to them
immediately after the Dec. 17 deluge.
Experts said the rise of leptospirosis in flooded areas is often
blamed on infected rats although other animals, like dogs and
cats, could also become carriers.
As local hospitals continued to receive leptospirosis patients
among “Sendong” survivors, many evacuees failed to heed the advice
of health officials to take the antibiotic before they wade in the
floods.
In Cagayan de Oro City, 96 persons tested positive for
leptospirosis while Iligan City officials reported 118 similar
cases in their domain.
One way of avoiding leptospirosis is to wear protective gear like
rubber boots and rubber gloves when working in muddy or flooded
areas.
As people become aware of the importance of doxycycline in the
rising cases of the disease, the supply of the antibiotic is
becoming scarce.
Several pharmacies in the tow flood-ravaged cities admitted
running out of doxycycline.
Bernadas said those showing symptoms of leptospiroris like
flu-like fever, jaundice and vomiting, among others, should
immediately see a doctor.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy in Manila will inaugurate today
the Y1.013 billion (approximately P568 million) flood disaster
mitigation project in Camiguin Island which it funded through
overseas development assistance grant aid.
The project, to be inaugurated by the embassy’s Minister for
Economic Affairs Akio Isomata, covers the Hubangon and Pontod
River basins in Camiguin Island.
Implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),
the project includes the construction of two Sabo (soil erosion
control) dams, barriers to prevent landslides, along Pontod River
and the reconstruction of Hubangon Bridge, which forms part of the
peripheral/national road and spans across the Hubangon River. (Ali
G. Macabalang & Roy C. Mabasa)