Floods hit Manila, expert warns against leptospirosis

As floods were recorded in Manila following the continuous rains over the weekend, an infectious disease expert cautioned the public from passing through floodwater.

Some 169 families residing in the Baseco Compound in Manila were forced to spend Saturday night in an evacuation center as floods were recorded in areas within the city.

Among the areas most hit was Taft Avenue, where a gutter-level flood was recorded on Saturday evening, leaving a number of motorists and commuters stranded.

There were some, however, who continued to wade through the floodwaters to get to their destination.

According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, passing through floodwater could lead to illnesses such as leptospirosis, which could come from water mixed with rat urine.

“‘Yung mga lumalangoy tapos ‘yung exposed ‘yung bibig, ‘yung exposed ‘yung mata, they’re also higher risk for exposure of the leptospirosis… That can also be an area where the microorganism can enter our body,” he said in a report by Vonne Aquino on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

(Those swimming with an exposed mouth, exposed eyes, they’re also at higher risk for exposure to leptosprosis... That can also be an area where the microorganism can enter our body.)

Those exposed to floodwater should thoroughly clean their bodies and should consult doctors to prescribe them antibiotics if at risk. Symptoms of leptospirosis include flu, headaches, body aches, sore limbs, and the redness of eyes.

“Meron tayong tinatawag na prophylaxis — antibiotic prophylaxis, for those na na-expose sa baha. Dapat within 24 to 48 hours, pumunta sa municipal health center nila para kumuha ng gamot,” Solante said.

(We have prophylaxis — antibiotic prophylaxis, for those exposed to floodwater. They should proceed to the municipal health center within 24 to 48 hours to avail of the medicine.)

The flood along Taft Avenue has since receded, while those in evacuation centers have started to return home, leaving only some 20 residents in the center. — Jon Viktor Cabuenas/DVM, GMA Integrated News