DOH warns public on water-borne diseases

COTABATO CITY ---The Department of Health (DOH) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) has warned the public on the possible increase in cases of leptospirosis and other flood-borne diseases in flood-affected areas following recent heavy rains due to the effects of low pressure area (LPA) and tail end of a cold front.

DOH-ARMM Secretary Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr. said they are closely monitoring situations from the ground for any rise in water-borne diseases, especially on   areas in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur hit by the recent floodings.

“Some of the water-borne diseases include leptospirosis and skin infection, among others,” he said.

Sinolinding explained that leptospirosis cannot just be treated at home or anywhere else.

Leptospirosis is a deadly disease and is caused by exposing wounds to water contaminated with rat's urine. People who walk barefooted and waddle through floodwater may be prone to this, he said.

“We are encouraging those who have been exposed to flood and manifesting symptoms of the infection to immediately seek medical treatment. For instance, a person infected with leptospirosis suffers from body malaise, eye redness, yellowish skin, and tea-colored urine,” he said.

Sinolinding has urged the victims to immediately seek appropriate medical treatment because the infection can lead to renal failure and eventual death.

“For us to avoid leptospirosis and other flood-borne diseases, we advise our populace to avoid walking in the flood or use boots for protection,” he said.

Sinolinding has also urged the public to dispose of their garbage properly because trash in flooded areas could somehow trigger skin diseases and other potentially fatal infection. (GILMHAR A. LAO & ANNE B. ACOSTA - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)