The City of Manila opened all 44 health centers on Aug. 18 to offer free medical consultations and doxycycline to residents exposed to floodwaters following heavy rains, as the city intensified efforts to prevent leptospirosis.
Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said 124,500 doses of anti-leptospirosis medicine doxycycline had been prepared for distribution across city health facilities, with the service also available to non-Manila residents stranded or temporarily staying in the capital during the floods.
“Bawat tao, ibig sabihin mahirap, middle class, mayaman, can access this—taga-Maynila or iyong pansamantalang nasa loob ng Maynila,” Moreno said.
Moreno stressed that the medicine is not limited to low-income residents, especially during emergencies when people from other areas may be exposed to floodwaters while in Manila.
The city’s health centers treated people exposed to floodwaters from 7 a.m. to noon, with doctors assessing whether preventive medication was necessary. Health officials stressed that doxycycline should only be taken under medical supervision, as the regimen varies depending on the level of exposure and presence of open wounds.
Dr. Carmelita Crisologo of the San Sebastian Health Center advised people who had waded through floodwaters to seek medical attention as soon as possible, ideally within three days of exposure. She said patients with open wounds may need prophylactic treatment for three to five days, while those without wounds may require only a one-day regimen.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals, particularly rats. Flooding can heighten the risk of exposure, especially when contaminated water comes into contact with cuts or other breaks in the skin.
Symptoms commonly include fever, muscle pain, rashes and red eyes. Severe infections can affect the kidneys and other organs and may be fatal without timely treatment.
The Manila Health Department recorded 156 leptospirosis cases from Jan. 1 to Aug. 18.
