DOH distributes anti-leptospirosis drug

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has started giving out doxycycline capsules to emergency workers involved in rescue operations in flooded areas in Metro Manila to protect them against leptospirosis.

“We have already prepositioned 10,000 doxycycline capsules or tablets in Taguig, Navotas, Valenzuela, San Juan, Quezon City (15,000 capsules), Mandaluyong, Manila, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque,” said Dr. Eduardo Janairo, DOH director for Metro Manila.

The capsules, which serve as a preventive antibiotic against leptospirosis, were distributed to local government units affected by the floods brought by Tropical Storm Maring.

Leptospirosis can be acquired by individuals who wade in floodwaters that are contaminated by leptospira bacteria present in the urine of infected rats.

The DOH is expecting cases to increase next week as the symptoms of leptospirosis usually manifest in three to 10 days.

Janairo said DOH personnel have been deployed to conduct “rapid assessment” of the health situation in selected evacuation centers in Marikina, Quezon City and Pateros.