Gert van der Hoek
In Memoriam - Editor, Senior Moderator
Measles, leptospirosis cases in Philippines rising
Posted at 11/11/2010
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) is alarmed over the rising number of measles and leptospirosis cases in the country.
- snip -
Tayag said they have recorded 690 cases of leptospirosis, most of them in Metro Manila. A total of 36 deaths have been recorded.
"Leptospirosis is endemic in the country. It is not only associated with contaminated floodwater, it is also an occupational hazard, especially for farmers. You get leptospirosis from being exposed to bodies of water contaminated with urine from infected rats. People should watch out for symptoms of fever, yellowish skin, urine turning tea-colored, then you have to go to the hospital immediately."
Tayag said they are now trying to verify a possible outbreak of leptospirosis in Pangasinan.
"We are in touch with officials in Region 1. They've reported 24 cases and 2 dead. It's alarming, and we have to verify it because they may have an outbreak there," he said.
Read more
.
Posted at 11/11/2010
MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) is alarmed over the rising number of measles and leptospirosis cases in the country.
- snip -
Tayag said they have recorded 690 cases of leptospirosis, most of them in Metro Manila. A total of 36 deaths have been recorded.
"Leptospirosis is endemic in the country. It is not only associated with contaminated floodwater, it is also an occupational hazard, especially for farmers. You get leptospirosis from being exposed to bodies of water contaminated with urine from infected rats. People should watch out for symptoms of fever, yellowish skin, urine turning tea-colored, then you have to go to the hospital immediately."
Tayag said they are now trying to verify a possible outbreak of leptospirosis in Pangasinan.
"We are in touch with officials in Region 1. They've reported 24 cases and 2 dead. It's alarming, and we have to verify it because they may have an outbreak there," he said.
Read more
.