DOH: Leptospirosis medicines sufficient

MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Health yesterday assured the public that DOH-run facilities remain operational and adequately supplied with medicines amid the increased risk of leptospirosis due to flooding.

The DOH said Code White Alert has been raised in affected Centers for Health Development (CHDs), while coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council continues as authorities monitor the impact of the rainy season.

The agency reported that 3.1 million doxycycline capsules are on standby at the DOH central office and 17 CHDs to meet the needs of hospitals and local government units.

Doxycycline may also be prescribed by patients’ YAKAP providers and obtained from nearly 3,000 providers nationwide accredited by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).

“The zero-balance billing program in DOH hospitals, along with the expanded PhilHealth benefit package for severe cases of leptospirosis in other PhilHealth-accredited hospitals, is also available,” the department said.

On July 15, PhilHealth increased the benefit coverage for leptospirosis from P21,450 to P63,000 for regular hospitalization.

The coverage may further increase to between P170,000 and P411,000 for cases requiring more intensive and critical treatment, the DOH said.

As of Aug. 8, 3,440 leptospirosis cases have been reported nationwide, 35 percent lower than the 5,318 cases recorded during the same period last year.

Despite the overall decline, the DOH noted a recent spike in leptospirosis cases. A total of 348 cases were recorded from July 12 to 25, up 27 percent from the 275 cases reported from June 28 to July 11.

The DOH urged the public to avoid wading through floodwaters, particularly when they have cuts or wounds in their skin.

“Those experiencing fever, headache, chills, back or leg pain or redness of the eyes are advised to immediately seek medical consultation at fast lanes of DOH hospitals,” the agency said.

In Manila, 44 health centers were opened to provide the public with doxycycline amid persistent flooding in the city.

Mayor Isko Moreno said the antibiotic was distributed to residents whose homes were flooded or those who waded in floodwaters, to prevent contracting leptospirosis.