Caloocan provides free anti-leptospirosis, antifungal drugs

MANILA, Philippines - The Caloocan City health department provided yesterday free medicine to treat leptospirosis and fungal infections, as well as vitamins to villages affected by recent floods.

Dr. Rachel So-Sayo, the city health officer, said boxes of doxycycline, antifungal ointment and vitamin C were sent to health centers in barangays inundated by floods last week.

The city health personnel distributed yesterday the medicines and vitamins to at least 800 tricycle drivers in Maypajo, one of the areas badly hit by floods in Caloocan.

Sayo, however, advised residents to consult doctors at their respective health centers before taking doxycycline. She said the medicine must be taken once a day by those who waded in floodwater but have no wounds and twice a day for those with wounds who still waded in floods.

To be more effective, it should be taken 24 to 72 hours “after flood exposure” for three to five days, Sayo said.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri directed the city health unit to immediately attend to the medical needs, especially of the flood-affected residents.

The infection could be contracted through open wounds when wading in water contaminated with rat urine. The symptoms include fever, chills, and intense headaches.