The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its telekonsulta in areas affected by Tropical Storm Kristine, urging the public to avail the services.
The DOH urged those who walked in the flood, ingested contaminated water due to flood or rain and have symptoms after exposure to flood or rain to avail of telekonsulta services at the National Patient Navigation and Referral Center.
The national telekonsulta hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and it can be reached by dialing 1555 then pressing 2.
Those unable to avoid floodwaters are advised to take prophylactic medicines against leptospirosis, especially if they have cuts or wounds on the skin.
Individuals who are at low risk may take two 100mg capsules of doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours from the time of exposure to floodwaters.
Those who are at medium risk may take two 100mg capsules of doxycycline for three to five days within 24 to 72 hours from the time of exposure to floodwaters.
Meanwhile, individuals at high risk or walk in floodwater continuously must take two 100mg capsules of doxycycline weekly until they finally stop walking in flood water.
From Jan. 1 to Oct. 5, the number of leptospirosis cases has reached 5,835 which translates to a 16-percent increase from the 5,050 cases reported during the same period last year.
To ensure the safety of water during typhoons, people are advised to boil water for two minutes or put chlorine tablets in it before drinking or use.
Chlorine tablets are safe to use and are distributed for free at health centers or local government units.
The DOH said about 78,889 individuals experienced diarrhea in 2023 due to contaminated water.
In Luzon, people may contact the Baguio General Hospital Medical Center; Ilocos Center for Health Development in San Fernando, La Union; Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development in Tuguegarao City; Central Luzon Center for Health Development in San Fernando Pampanga; and Metro Manila Center for Health Development in Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City for assistance.
The Calabarzon Center for Health Development and the Mimaropa Center for Health Development are located in Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Cubao, Quezon City.
For patients in Visayas, they may contact the Bicol Center for Health Development in Legazpi City; Albay; Western Visayas Center for Health Development in Iloilo City; Central Visayas Center for Health Development in Cebu City; and Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development in Palo, Leyte.
In Mindanao, people can reach the Zamboanga Peninsula Center for Health Development in Lower Calarian, Zamboanga City; Northern Mindanao Center for Health Development in Cagayan de Oro City; Davao Center for Health Development in Bajada, Davao City; Soccsksargen Center for Health Development in Cotabato City, CARAGA Center for Health Development in Butuan City; Agusan del Norte; and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Center for Health Development in Bangsamoro People’s Complex, Gov. Gutierrez St., Cotabato City for medical assistance. (PNA)
