Leptospirosis cases down in Pasay

MANILA, Philippines - The Pasay City health office recorded only six cases of leptospirosis from January to August this year, an official said over the weekend.

City health officer Julio Alejandro Vitug said the figure was 90 percent lower compared to the 60 cases of leptospirosis recorded during the same period in 2012.

Three cases were reported during the onslaught of monsoon rains enhanced by Tropical Storm Maring recently, Vitug said.

He said the decrease in leptospirosis cases in the city could be attributed to the monthly cleanup drive in every barangay.

Mayor Antonino Calixto lauded the efforts of city health officers and barangay officials, and the residents for cooperating in the cleanup campaign. 

“Our dispensation of the antibacterial prophylaxis doxycyline to the residents and members of the Pasay rescue team exposed to floodwaters was also one reason why we were able to lower the cases of leptospirosis in the city,” Calixto said.