• CHERYL G. CRUZ
All 61 barangays of Bacolod City have been urged by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to intensify the campaign against leptospirosis, amid recurrent heavy downpours and flooding incidents.
The rainy season brings continuous heavy downpours that can cause sudden and severe localized flooding across various barangays in Bacolod, significantly increasing the exposure of residents to waterborne and water-related infectious diseases, the SP said in approving the resolution of Councilor Em Ang recently.
Leptospirosis is a serious bacterial infection transmitted when floodwaters contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats, come into contact with human skin through open wounds, cuts, or the eyes, nose, and mouth, the SP said.
Without immediate medical intervention, leptospirosis can lead to severe health complications, such as kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death, it added.
Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on Health and Sanitation, stressed that “proactive public health advocacy, massive community awareness, and the prepositioning of prophylactic medicines, such as doxycycline, are highly critical in averting outbreaks and preventing unnecessary casualties.”
She urged the conduct of regular cleanup drives, strict implementation of pest control and solid waste management, unclogging of drainage canals, and eliminating the breeding ground of disease-carrying rodents across Bacolod.
Bacolodnons should avoid wading in floodwaters, or wear protective footwear, such as boots if crossing flooded areas is unavoidable, and to seek immediate medical consultation at the nearest health center upon exposure to potentially contaminated water, Ang stressed.
The Bacolod City Health Office has also been urged to intensify its information drive regarding the dangers, symptoms, and prevention of leptospirosis, as well as ensure the sufficient stockpiling and distribution of prophylactic medicines in barangay health centers, the SP said. | CGC
