Manila: The Department of Health (DOH) central office and regional units are on alert for the possible health impacts of Typhoon Nando, particularly in extreme northern, central and southern Luzon, Metro Manila and parts of the Visayas.
According to Philippines News Agency, in a Facebook post on Saturday, the DOH reminded the public to prepare an emergency ‘go bag’ in case of evacuation, stay tuned to weather updates, follow advisories from local government units (LGUs), and avoid wading through floodwaters. A go bag typically contains essential emergency supplies, like drinking water and non-perishable food, first aid kit with medications, flashlight, copies of important documents, personal hygiene items, extra clothes and cash.
Individuals exposed to floodwater or mud are urged to immediately consult at DOH hospitals’ leptospirosis fast lanes or the nearest health center for risk assessment and treatment. The DOH recorded two new cases of leptospirosis on Sept. 14 to 18 amid consecutive days of heavy rains and flooding.
It said the figures may still change as surveillance continues, but the number remains far below the 1,199 cases logged Aug. 3 to 9, a week after the onslaught of tropical cyclones Crising, Dante and Emong. The DOH has logged a total of 5,430 cases of leptospirosis since June 8, just a week after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration officially declared the start of the wet season.