The Department of Health (DOH) has raised a Code White alert nationwide due to the inclement weather caused by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). The alert was raised in all DOH offices, including regional Centers for Health Development and the Ministry of Health in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The DOH has also warned the public against the risk of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be contracted from floodwaters. As of July 13, a total of 1,258 leptospirosis cases have been recorded in the country this year, with 133 deaths.
Certain regions have seen increases in leptospirosis cases from June 2 to July 13, including Zamboanga Peninsula, Caraga, Soccsksargen, Western Visayas, Mimaropa, Eastern Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. However, the DOH noted that these numbers may rise further due to late reports.
Leptospirosis is transmitted by animals like rodents, and infected animal urine can mix with flood water during heavy rains, potentially entering the human body of those wading through floods. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache, and in severe cases, jaundice, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache.
The DOH has urged the public to take precautions, such as avoiding floodwaters and seeking immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Health units have been tasked with proactive monitoring and reporting of any untoward health incidents through the DOH Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) integrated information system linked to the HEMB Operations Center.