DOH assures doxycycline supply amid rising leptospirosis cases

The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday said doxycycline used in treating leptospirosis is readily available in the market and health centers amid the influx of patients afflicted by the bacterial infection weeks after the severe flooding in Luzon areas.

DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, however, clarified that suspected leptospirosis cases need to consult first with a doctor and obtain a prescription for the drug.

“Kailangan magpa-konsulta sa doktor. Ang dahilan dito ay hindi siya pwedeng gamiting for example sa mga buntis, at sa mga bata 12 years old and below. Depende rin sa sitwasyon ng pangangatawan, nakikita ng doktor kung ano ang angkop na antibiotic,” he said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.

(They need to consult with a doctor. Doxycycline cannot be used on pregnant women and on children 12 years old and below. The doctor also prescribes the appropriate antibiotic based on the patient’s physical condition.)

“Pero ‘wag mag-alala, maraming doxycycline na available sa ating mga public health centers… Libre po ‘yan,” he added.

(There’s no need to worry, there is an adequate supply of doxycycline available in our public health centers for free.)

Doxycycline is prescribed both as a prophylaxis and treatment for leptospirosis. Currently, a price freeze is in effect for this drug until September 23.

According to Domingo, stocks of doxycycline declined in some regions, but half a million capsules are set to be released to the department.

At the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), the gymnasium had to be converted into a leptospirosis ward due to an influx of patients after the onslaught of Tropical Cyclone Carina-enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

Despite this, the DOH has assured the country's health system can handle the rising number of leptospirosis cases.

Domingo also called on those who waded through floods amid the typhoon and Southwest Monsoon to immediately consult with a healthcare professional.

“Sa lahat ng mga napalusong sa baha, anumang dahilan basta kayo’y napunta sa tubig baha sa nakaraang buwan, maaaring kahit wala kayong nararamdaman, komonsulta na po sa inyong pinakamalapit na health center,” he reminded.

(For those who waded through the floodwater, even if you don’t feel any symptoms, you should consult with the nearest health center.)

“Mas madaling mag-konsulta at ma-resetahan ng doxycycline…para huwag na humantong sa kakailanganin pang pumunta sa ospital.”

(It will be easier for you to consult and be prescribed doxycycline at health centers so you won’t have to go to hospitals.)

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 human body of people wading through floods.

Its symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain and headaches.

The incubation period of leptospirosis may range from 2 to 30 days, usually showing symptoms around 1-2 weeks after exposure to contaminated flood waters.—RF, GMA Integrated News