UP Ibalon Bicol: Water borne diseases on the rise

Water borne diseases on the rise

10/14/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Following the typhoon that flooded 80% of Manila and many areas in the provinces, the Department of Health (DOH) has warned of outbreaks of water-borne diseases. Leptospirosis which is a spirochetal bacterial infection transmitted from infected droppings and urine of rats and infected animals has been reported to about 400 people in Metro Manila. The number is about half of those reported of the disease last year.

According to the Department of Health Chief Francisco Duque, of the 383 cases of Leptospirosis, about 157 cases were reported in San Lazaro Hospital. 70 cases were documented at the Medical City and 69 at East Avenue Medical Center. A total of 28 cases were also seen at National Kidney and Transplant Institute, 18 at Quirino Memorial Medical Center, 17 at Philippine General Hospital, 13 at Rizal Medical Center, 10 at Manila Doctors’ Hospital and one at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center.---Inquirer (10/14/09, Valmero, A)

The disease presents with flu-like symptoms, skin rash, joint pains, jaundice, and headaches. Some cases lead to kidney complications and may be accompanied with lung, liver and cardiac manifestations. Some patients develop acute renal failure requiring dialysis.

Dr. Duque who expects the incidence of the Leptospirosis to rise with diarrheal illnesses in the next two weeks urges the public to avoid wading in flood waters and have their household water boiled before drinking. (Photo Credit: Reuters/ Rey Bruna/ Phil Airforce) =0=

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LABELS: flood, Leptospiroses, diseases, typhoon, calamity, disaster, DOH, Dr. Francisco Duque, Totie Mesia