Flood-borne diseases on the rise

MANILA, Philippines – Health officials warned the public yesterday of an increase in cases of leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases in calamity areas that are still flooded after Luzon was ravaged by tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng” in the past two weeks.

From Sept. 29 to Oct. 12, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 181 leptospirosis cases, with 152 of the patients reported in Metro Manila.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. This can happen by swallowing contaminated food or water or through skin contact, especially broken skin, or through the eyes or nose.

The victims are usually infected after wading in floodwaters.

Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, redness of eyes, vomiting and jaundice or yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Health officials said other flood-related diseases that are expected are dengue fever, diarrhea and cholera.

The DOH said the number of leptospirosis cases had more than doubled since Ondoy brought heavy rains last Sept. 26 and flooded portions of Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna and Bulacan.

During the same period in 2008, the total number of cases stood at only 69, with 26 recorded in Metro Manila.

Philippine General Hospital (PGH) spokesman Dr. Michael Tee said that from Oct. 9 to 11 alone, a total of 20 leptospirosis patients were brought to the hospital. The patients included three children.

Tee said that all of the patients have already developed acute renal or kidney failure requiring them to undergo at least two sessions of hemodialysis.

Two of the victims – a 32-year-old man from Quezon City and a 28-year-old man from Manila – died even before they were subjected to hemodialysis, which costs around P10,000 per session.

“This is very alarming. Having this many is a serious matter. The PGH is mobilizing its resources as we expect more leptospirosis cases in the coming days due to the massive flooding brought about by Ondoy and then Pepeng,” he told The STAR.

Tee added the PGH had set up a leptospirosis zone wherein those who have waded in floodwaters and have manifested symptoms are immediately attended to. “Speedy treatment and proper management can result in better prognosis,” he added.

Dr. Elizabeth Montemayor, head of PGH’s Nephrology Section, said the victims waded in floodwaters but it was only recently when symptoms started showing up, since the incubation period for leptospirosis is 10 to 14 days.

“We want to warn the public that if they have history of wading in floodwaters and they develop fever and other symptoms, they have to see a doctor immediately. They should not wait for more serious complications to develop. Otherwise, the damage might already be irreversible,” he added.

Leptospirosis can become fatal when an infected individual develops kidney failure, meningitis or inflammation of the membrane around the spine and brain, liver failure, pulmonary hemorrhage and respiratory distress.

The website of the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that leptospirosis can be treated with antibiotics “such as doxycycline or penicillin, which should be given early in the course of the disease.”

“Intravenous antibiotics may be required for persons with more severe symptoms. Persons with symptoms suggestive of leptospirosis should contact a health care provider,” the website said.

Montemayor said that before Ondoy, a month could pass before the PGH admits leptospirosis-related renal cases.

“In September, there were only three cases. With the massive flooding, we expect to see more cases of leptospirosis. We hope the public would not be complacent about this,” she added.

Red Cross sets up medical station

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has set up a 50-bed medical station at the Philippine Sports Arena (former ULTRA) in Pasig City to extend medical assistance to victims of Ondoy.

PNRC secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang said the medical station is open 24 hours a day to provide medical assistance for typhoon victims who are now temporarily housed at ULTRA and suffering from minor illness.

Pang said the Red Cross decided to put up the medical station after they observed an increase in cases of diarrhea, cough, colds and other minor infection among the 734 families staying at ULTRA.

Volunteer doctors, nurses, first aid staff, social workers and PNRC staff will man the medical station round-the-clock until such time that evacuees return to their respective homes, she added.

“This is not the first time that PNRC is setting up a medical station. During the typhoid outbreak in Laguna, we successfully gave medical assistance to children and adults in Calamba. And now, we are doing this again for the victims of Ondoy,” said Pang.

Pang, however, clarified that the medical station is not intended to replace hospital services but is an extension area only to give immediate medical assistance to evacuees suffering from minor illnesses.

Stranded comatose patient transferred

The PNRC reported that they have rescued a 58-year-old coma patient and 800 other people from flooded areas in Pangasinan.

PNRC said Ludivino Apalis was transferred to a safer hospital with the help of volunteers from Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) who passed by Dagupan Medical Center, which was already flooded.

Ludivino is in critical condition at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Dagupan Medical Center, but doctors could no longer attend to him because of the flood.

A Red Cross truck eventually transferred the comatose patient to Nazareth Hospital where doctors found out that Ludivino was already in a coma and suffering from acute renal failure or malfunctioning of kidneys and enlargement of prostate. He is currently confined at the ICU of Nazareth Hospital.

PNRC said SBMA volunteers also rescued 800 stranded people and brought them to the Dagupan Astrodome. –Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star) with Mayen Jaymalin