Latest news with #DOH
Filipino Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Filipino Times
DOH urges public to take precautions against leptospirosis as rains, floods worsen
The Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to stay vigilant against leptospirosis amid widespread flooding due to heavy rains. DOH Spokesperson Asec. Albert Domingo, in a Malacañang press briefing, advised people to heed local government warnings and seek medical attention if they come into contact with floodwaters. Domingo noted that symptoms of leptospirosis, such as fever, muscle pain, yellowing of the eyes and skin, and changes in stool color, usually appear two weeks after exposure. However, he emphasized that early intake of prophylactic medication can help prevent infection. Leptospirosis primarily affects the kidneys but may also damage the lungs, heart, and in severe cases, the brain—potentially requiring ICU admission. He urged anyone who has been submerged in floodwater to wash thoroughly with soap and water and consult a doctor immediately. Free medication is available at government health centers. Domingo likened floodwater to toilet water, highlighting the importance of sanitation. He warned against ignoring early signs and encouraged preventive care, especially with more weather disturbances expected, such as Tropical Depression Dante and two other low-pressure areas.
GMA Network
a day ago
- Health
- GMA Network
DOH: P31M worth of medicine deployed for emergencies
The Department of Health said Tuesday around P31 million worth of medicine have been deployed nationwide in case of emergencies. In a palace briefing, DOH Spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo said that the supplies of medicine have been pre-positioned in the following areas: Ilocos Cagayan Valley CALABARZON MIMAROPA Western Visayas Central Visayas Northern Mindanao Domingo added that around P180 million emergency medicine remains on standby and awaiting deployment. 'Hindi pa natin dini-deploy pero kapag kailangan po ay ating papakawalan,' he said. (We haven't deployed these stocks but we will release them if we have to.) DOH shared the emergency medicine include CAMPOLAS, which are antibiotics cotrimoxazole and amoxicillin, mefenamic acid for pain relief, paracetamol as fever suppressant, oresel for diarrhea, lagundi for cough relief, and skin ointments. 'Mayroon din pong mga hygiene kits, mga drinking water containers at mga chlorine tablets para huwag tayong uminom ng kontaminadong tubig at mayroon ding breastfeeding kits para sa ating mga nanay,' he added. (We also have hygiene kits, drinking water containers, and chlorine tablets so that we don't have to drink contaminated water, and there are also breastfeeding kits for our mothers.) Meanwhile, DOH is currently conducting rounds at several evacuation centers in Metro Manila. Earlier, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa visited schools being used as evacuation centers in Marikina City. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Health
- GMA Network
DOH advises public to beware risks of leptospirosis amid flooding, heavy rains
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, warned the public to remain alert on the risks of leptospirosis amid heavy rains and flooding nationwide. In a palace briefing, DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo advised the public to follow directives from the local government to avoid further health issues. He also said that the DOH and doctors from the LGU may issue prophylaxis to combat leptospirosis in case of being submerged in flood. 'Ang sintomas ng lepto, hindi lumabalabas iyan in the next few days — mga two weeks later pa ho pero kung mabibigyan tayo ng gamot agad-agad, hindi po lalabas iyon,' he said. (Lepto symptoms does not appear in the next few days, but two weeks later unless we get medicine right away, then it won't appear.) Domingo advised the public to watch out for the common symptoms of leptospirosis, which include but are not limited to: Fever Muscle pains Yellowing of the skin and the eyes Discoloration of the stool 'Ang mga tinatamaan ho kasi ng lepto ay iyong bato, iyong kidneys kaya madalas nada-dialysis. Pwede rin iyong ating baga, pwede rin iyong ating puso, at kung malala po pati iyong utak, puwedeng tamaan. Pwede pong ma-ICU ang isang pasyente,' Domingo shared. (Lepto affects the kidneys, which is why they often undergo dialysis. It can also affect the lungs, the heart, and even the brain may be affected in worse cases.) Domingo advised any individual who may have had any parts if their body submerged in flood to seek medical assistance. 'Ang ginagamit nga naming pahintulad [ay] iyon pong tubig-baha, parang tubig iyan ng inidoro. Kung tayo nga po ay mapahawak doon, naghuhugas kaagad tayo – so, soap and water kaagad, tapos kumunsulta tayo kasi iyong gamot puwede naman hong ibigay nang libre sa ating mga government health center para huwag po tayong mauwi sa leptospirosis,' he said. (The comparison that we use is that floodwater is like toilet water. If we accidentally touch it, we wash immediately—so soap and water immediately, and we also have to consult right away because the medicine can be prescribed for free in government health centers so that we don't end up with leptospirosis.) Earlier, PAGASA reported that a low pressure area inside the PAR has developed into Tropical Depression Dante. Two other LPAs were also observed near the Philippines. — Jiselle Anne Casucian/LA, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
a day ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
DOH: Obey evacuation protocols, ensure safe drinking water
The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reminded the public to follow evacuation protocols and ensure the cleanliness of their drinking water amid inclement weather due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo advised the public to evacuate, if needed, upon instruction of authorities and to take note of rescue hotlines for emergencies. "Kapag sinabi ng kapitan, mayor, o gobernador na evacuate, lumikas na po para makaiwas sa sakuna. Tandaan ang rescue hotlines: 911 sa national, 1555 sa DOH," he said. (When the barangay captain, mayor, or governor orders an evacuation, please evacuate to prevent disasters from happening. Remember the rescue hotlines, 911 for national, 1555 for DOH.) Domingo also urged the public to be mindful of their drinking water during these times, regardless if they are at home or in evacuation centers. The Health official said boiling water for up to two minutes or using chlorine tables will help sterilize drinking water. In the event that they were affected by flooding, the public was advised to wash any part of their bodies that was submerged in floodwater, and to consult the nearest local health center for free medicine. Meanwhile, evacuees were reminded to always wash their hands and wear face masks. Weather service PAGASA has monitored three Low Pressure Areas (LPAs) inside and outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). One of the LPAs located near Central Luzon has a high chance of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, while another LPA in Batanes has a medium chance of becoming a tropical depression in the next 24 hours. A red rainfall warning was also issued for Metro Manila, Bataan, and some parts of Cavite at 8 a.m. Areas under a red rainfall warning may experience serious flooding in flood-prone areas. "The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next warning to be issued at 11:00 AM today," PAGASA said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Climate
- GMA Network
DOH on Code White Alert due to Crising
The Department of Health said it issued a Code White Alert for the DOH Operations Center due to the possible effects of Tropical Storm Crising. The Code White Alert was issued on Friday night as part of the department's preparations for Crising. "Sa ilalim ng Code White Alert, inihahanda ng DOH OpCen ang mga gamot, medical equipment, at Health Emergency Response Teams para sa mga rehiyon na tinatayang maapektuhan ng bagyo," the DOH said. (Under a Code White Alert, the DOH is preparing the medicines, medical equipment, and Health Emergency Response Teams for regions that may be affected by the storm.) "Nakaantabay naman ang National Emergency Hotline 911 at local emergency hotlines para sa mga mangangailangan ng tulong," it added. (The National Emergency Hotline 911 and local emergency hotlines are ready to respond to those who need assistance.) Five areas were placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 on Saturday morning as Tropical Storm Crising brings rains on its way to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility, PAGASA said in its 5 a.m. Saturday bulletin. These five areas are Batanes; the northern portion of Cagayan (Santa Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez-Mira, Pamplona, Abulug, Ballesteros, Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Allacapan, Lal-Lo, Lasam, Rizal, Santo Niño, Gattaran, Alcala) including Babuyan Islands; Ilocos Norte; the northern and central portions of Apayao (Calanasan, Luna, Pudtol, Kabugao, Flora, Santa Marcela); and the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lagayan) Crising brought heavy rains and caused flooding and evacuations in many areas overnight. Two people were also reported missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). A total of 1,875 individuals were stranded in various ports from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. on Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said. The PCG also said 81 vessels, 37 motorbancas, and 591 rolling cargoes were stranded. Those taking shelter meanwhile, were 57 vessels and 106 motorbancas, it added. —KG, GMA Integrated News
