The Iloilo City Government, through its health office, has distributed doxycycline capsules to 15,118 residents as part of their automatic response during rainy days.
City Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said the doxycycline is distributed house-to-house through barangay health workers and in fixed sites during medical consultations.
“We have a standing order that during rainy days, wherein there are different barangays that are underwater, we automatically provide doxycycline as prophylaxis against leptospirosis. Aside from that, if we have evacuation centers, we have our medical team that assesses our evacuees and we do medical consultation and provide the needed medicines,” Diaz said in a media interview on Tuesday.
Diaz said those who waded in floodwaters are encouraged to take doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours.
From Jan. 1 to July 19 this year, the city health office logged 16 suspected and seven probable cases, including three deaths.
“Most of them worked in the market,” she said, adding that one of the fatalities refused to take doxycycline.
The symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, muscle pains, redness of eyes, severe headache and jaundice.
Meanwhile, Mayor Raisa Treñas distributed doxycycline, rubber boots and care kits to members of the media covering the city hall beat.
She said the provision will ensure their safety as they perform their duties amid the inclement weather. (PNA)
