The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) is on alert for potential outbreaks of diseases following last week’s heavy rains and widespread flooding.
“We are still on Code White,” Dr. Girlie Pinongan, Provincial Health Officer, said on Wednesday, July 23.
While no cases of flood-related diseases have been reported yet, Pinongan reminded residents to avoid wading in floodwaters.
She specifically warned against leptospirosis, a bacterial blood infection spread through rat urine, which can be contracted by exposure to contaminated water.
Pinongan warned that children playing and swimming in floodwaters are vulnerable.
The PHO has already distributed doxycycline capsules, a prophylaxis for water-borne diseases especially leptospirosis, and other medications, she said.
Pinongan also emphasized the importance of boiling drinking water to prevent water-borne diseases.*