Water borne Diseases are killing hundreds of people in flood hit regions of the Philippines
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-Pastor-Dale-Morgan-
Jan 7, 2012, 8:02:08 AM1/7/12
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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)
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)
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