• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod has urged the City Health Office (CHO) Nov. 26 to immediately implement preventive measures against leptospirosis, following a rise in cases.
The resolution, authored by Councilor Em Ang, stressed that recent flooding caused by typhoons Tino, Uwan, and Verbena has “exacerbated conditions for leptospirosis transmission, increasing the risk of cases rising significantly in the community,” hence the resolution.
These measures include the immediate disinfection of areas affected by flooding, with focus on known flood-prone places where water stagnation occurs; provision of protective gear and sanitation supplies to barangays for use in the cleaning and disinfection; and conduct of a city-wide campaign to educate residents on the risks of leptospirosis, particularly following flooding events, among others.
The city government has the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its residents, Ang, chairperson of the SP Committee on Health and Sanitation, said in the resolution approved by the sanggunian during its session yesterday, adding the CHO plays a pivotal role in developing and initiating effective health measures to protect the community from this public health threat.
She said the CHO should also collaborate with barangay leaders and health workers to disseminate information effectively, provide support in the disinfection efforts, and ensure that every barangay has access to necessary materials for preventive measures.
The monitoring/reporting on the incidence of leptospirosis cases, in collaboration with local hospitals and clinics, is also important to ensure that health authorities stay informed of any spikes in cases so that timely public health responses can be made, Ang said.
She noted that Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital has reported a “concerning increase in admissions for leptospirosis”, with a significant number of cases arising from southern Negros.
The CLMMRH earlier said it has treated 26 cases of leptospirosis from Nov. 1 to 22, with more severe and moderate cases coming from southern Negros. | CGC
