Francis Zamora backs DOH call to ban swimming in flood waters

San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said Tuesday he will be introducing to the Metro Manila Council a resolution urging local government units (LGUs) to ban residents from swimming in flood waters and impose sanctions on violators.

This move is to help mitigate the rising leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila, which occurred after the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and Southwest Monsoon. 

“Each respective LGUs will have the authority to impose fines or any penalties they deem appropriate, at their own discretion for violators of this prohibition,” Zamora, who also heads the MMC, said in a statement.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Monday he will recommend to local chief executives to prohibit people, particularly children, from swimming in flood waters due to the risk of getting leptospirosis. 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals such as rodents. Urine from infected rats could mix with floodwater during heavy rains, and could therefore enter the body of people wading through floods.

In its latest data, the DOH logged 255 new leptospirosis cases from July 21 to August 3. 

The latest record is 17% higher than the 217 cases recorded from July 7-20, DOH said.

“In San Juan, I will be recommending and certifying as urgent the enactment of this prohibition on swimming in floodwaters. Our goal is to promptly and effectively protect the health of our residents by implementing stringent measures to prevent further spread of this disease,” Zamora said.

“For minors who violate the proposed ordinances, the respective LGUs will be authorized to hold the parents or guardians principally and solidarily liable for corresponding penalties,” he added.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/AOL, GMA Integrated News