The City Health Office has intensified its efforts to combat leptospirosis following the Tropical Depression Verbena flash floods that hit Bacolod City.
The citywide distribution of free doxycycline and azithromycin, which began during Bagyong Tino, has been expanded due to the widespread exposure of residents to floodwater, the Bacolod City Communications Office said on Friday, Nov. 28.
Wading in floodwater can cause leptospirosis because the Leptospira bacteria, shed in the urine of infected animals like rats, can easily enter the body through tiny, unnoticeable cuts and abrasions in the skin or through mucous membranes.
Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the CHO to sustain and broaden the prophylaxis initiative after Verbena submerged 33 barangays, compelling thousands of residents to wade through waist- to chest-deep waters.
City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli said that the medicines have been distributed to barangays, evacuation centers, and high-risk zones to provide medical assessment and preventive treatment against leptospirosis and other waterborne infections.
Gensoli said “to avoid death caused by leptospirosis, if you were exposed to floodwater, immediately drink medicine. Don’t wait for the symptoms before drinking the medicine because the effect will be delayed. This is free so you don’t have to worry.”
As of November 25, CHO records showed nine deaths due to leptospirosis in Bacolod this year.
The two most recent fatalities include a 30-year-old from Barangay Mansilingan who died on November 25 and a 16-year-old resident from Barangay Sum-ag who passed away on November 23).
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, severe body pain, red eyes, chills, headache, and jaundice. The city will maintain heightened monitoring against the illness.
Gasataya stressed the importance of early protection, encouraging residents who were severely exposed to floodwater to coordinate with their nearest Barangay Health Center for free doxycycline/azithromycin or to visit the City Health Office.
Health personnel noted that the preemptive antibiotic distribution during Bagyong Tino enabled teams to respond immediately and continue interventions as flood incidents escalated over the past week.
The CHO reiterated that prophylaxis is not intended for walk-in self-medication and must be administered only after screening.
Pregnant women, those with underlying medical conditions, and individuals showing symptoms of leptospirosis must undergo a full assessment before treatment, the CHO added.*