Latest news with #Leptospira
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GMA Network
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Heart Evangelista raises pet health awareness after dog Panda's bout with leptospirosis
Heart Evangelista is championing the cause of pet health awareness after her dog Panda's bout with leptospirosis. According to Nelson Canlas' report on '24 Oras Weekend,' Saturday, Heart suspects that her fur baby contracted the disease after Heart ventured into floodwaters. 'Sobrang na-stress ako, but, you know, there's a vaccine for it. And talagang kailangan attuned ka sa mga anak mong fur babies dahil konting changes lang, nagsuka lang nang konti, pa-check up na agad. Especially lalo na sa mga ganitong baha,' she said. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leptospirosis is caused by the bacterium Leptospira found in contaminated water or soil. Leptospirosis cases typically spike when floods occur during the rainy season. Meanwhile, Heart is gearing up for the return of her reality series, "Heart World." The first season of "Heart World" premiered on GMA Network in October 2024 and aired its last episode in January 2025. The reality series gave an exclusive look into the life of the Global Fashion Icon, such as when she met South Korean actress Song Hye Kyo at Paris Fashion Week 2022. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
6 days ago
- Health
- GMA Network
Consult a doctor before taking doxycycline for leptospirosis —DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to consult a doctor first and secure prescription before taking doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis. (File photo) An official from the Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday reminded the public to consult a doctor first and secure a prescription before taking doxycycline, an antibiotic used to treat leptospirosis, if exposed to flood waters. 'But ang pinaka-important message po dito is, still, bago ka gumamit ng doxycycline, kailangan mo ng prescription. So kailangan pa rin po talaga kakonsulta sa doktor, no? Or mag-consult sa inyong nearest doctor sa inyong health center, no? Before kayo makakuha,' said Johanna Mallari-Abella of DOH-Pharmaceutical Division in a discussion with the private sector on antimicrobial resistance awareness. (The most important message here is that before you use doxycycline, you still need a prescription. So, you really need to consult with a doctor or visit your nearest health center doctor before you can obtain it.) Abella pointed out that prescription and intake of doxycycline also depend on one's exposure to the Leptospira bacteria, which are found in the urine of rats. She added that even without wounds, one is still at risk for leptospirosis. 'So, depending po siya sa risk, kung ilang beses kayo bumaha. Kung may risk talaga na, kasi kung nakatira po talaga kayo sa area na baha talaga doon and may risk na everyday kayong lumulusong, kahit wala kayong open wound, sometimes you still need to take to really prevent,' she said. (It depends on the risk—how often you've been in floodwaters. If you're really in an area that floods frequently and there's a risk you're wading through it daily, even without an open wound, sometimes you still need to take [doxycycline] to truly prevent [leptospirosis].) 'Kasi kapag nandiyan na siya, mabilis po yung progression ng disease. So, kailangan talaga na yung appropriate na prevention, depende sa exposure mo po sa baha that is contaminated with dumi ng iba't ibang animals po,' Abella added. (Once the disease is there, it progresses quickly. So, appropriate prevention is really necessary, depending on your exposure to floodwaters contaminated with the feces of various animals.) Based on DOH's guide, people at low risk of leptospirosis are advised to take two capsules of doxycycline within 24 to 72 hours after exposure to flood. Meanwhile, those considered at moderate risk or those who sometimes wade through flood waters must take two capsules of doxycycline every day for three to five days, and 24 to 72 hours after exposure. Further, individuals who are at high risk of getting leptospirosis, or those who often wade through flood waters, must take two capsules of doxycycline every week until one is not exposed to flood waters. DOH reminder vs leptospirosis There are 2,396 leptospirosis cases logged nationwide from June 8 to August 7, 2025, the DOH earlier said. Several hospitals in Metro Manila earlier reported an influx of leptospirosis cases following the floods brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and a series of tropical cyclones that hit the country. But infectious diseases expert Rontgene Solante said the recent rise in leptospirosis cases in the country is unlikely to trigger a health emergency Antimicrobial resistance Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to such an extent that regular medicines can no longer treat them. Examples of antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antiparasitic agents, and antifungals. However, inappropriate and excessive use of them can make treatment ineffective in the future, the experts worry. Citing studies, Abella said that data showed that there were 15,700 deaths attributable to AMR and 56,700 deaths associated with AMR were logged in the Philippines in 2019. 'So, we understand that the overuse and misuse or yung overprescribing of antibiotics even when they are not needed is one of the causes of the problem,' said Abella. (We understand that the overuse, misuse, or over-prescribing of antibiotics—even when they're not needed—is one of the causes of the problem.) 'There are also issues on patient adherence or patient compliance and this is very common, especially in rural areas because there are socioeconomic issues as well and literacy issues, they are not aware na kapag hindi nila kinomplete yung treatment, it can lead to the development of AMR,' she added. (There are also issues with patient adherence or patient compliance. This is very common, especially in rural areas, because of socioeconomic and literacy issues. They're often not aware that failing to complete their treatment can lead to the development of AMR.) The World Health Organization recognizes AMR as one of the top global public health threats, with an estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide logged in 2019. 'And if we do not do anything by 2050, it is estimated or projected that 10 million will die due to AMR. Aside from the impact on morbidity and mortality, it also has economic consequences because by 2050, AMR would decrease the gross domestic product by 2% to 3.5%' said Abella. (And if we do not do anything, by 2050, it is estimated or projected that 10 million will die due to AMR. Aside from the impact on morbidity and mortality, it also has economic consequences because by 2050, AMR would decrease the gross domestic product by 2% to 3.5%.) —LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
10-08-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Heart Evangelista's fur baby, Panda, recovers from leptospirosis
Heart Evangelista's fur baby, Panda, recovered from a bout of leptospirosis. The Global Fashion Icon shared the news on her TikTok account, calling her beloved dog "my leptospirosis survivor." "I love you Panda. Thank you Lord you are OK," she wrote in the caption. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leptospirosis is caused by the bacterium Leptospira found in contaminated water or soil. Leptospirosis cases typically spike when floods occur during the rainy season. When asked by a netizen if Panda waded through flood waters, Heart said it was actually her who did so. Panda was with her inside the car, so she might have contracted the disease via the actress's pants or shoes. In Katrina Son's report on "24 Oras Weekend," Sunday, Dr. Rey Del Napoles of the Quezon City Veterinary Department said animals are also at risk of getting seriously ill from leptospirosis, just like humans. "Ang baboy, ang kambing, ang baka, at kalabaw kapag na-expose po sila sa baha, puwede po sila magkaroon ng leptospirosis," he said. "Lalo na po 'yung mga alaga nating aso, they're highly susceptible to it." Animals exposed to contaminated water may contract leptospirosis via their eyes, mouth, or open wounds. Symptoms of the disease in animals include lethargy, lack of appetite, muscle pain, and difficulty urinating. "The manifestation po ng leptospirosis usually po nasa two weeks 'yun from the exposure," Napoles said. "Pero huwag po natin hintayin na mag-develop muna ng symptoms kasi po the symptoms of leptospirosis can be confused for other diseases until na-narrow down ng doctor." As of August 8, 13 patients died of leptospirosis in San Lazaro Hospital. —MGP, GMA Integrated News
The Sun
09-08-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Leptospirosis not minor illness, public warned
PETALING JAYA: Although Malaysia has seen a decline in leptospirosis cases, the bacterial infection continues to pose a threat, especially during the rainy season. In 2015, the country recorded 8,291 cases and 78 deaths. More recently, 2,912 cases and 38 deaths were reported in 2020 and 1,761 cases were recorded in 2021. States such as Selangor, Kelantan and Sarawak have historically recorded higher case numbers, with outbreaks in 2014, 2015 and 2019. In contrast, Perak and Labuan consistently reported fewer cases. Despite the downtrend, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz infectious disease specialist Dr Petrick Periyasamy has warned the public not to dismiss leptospirosis as a minor illness. 'Leptospirosis is preventable, but when ignored, it could become life-threatening in just days,' he said, adding that the disease could lead to multi-organ failure, particularly in flood-prone and unsanitary environments. The infection is caused by Leptospira bacteria, commonly found in the urine of rats and other infected animals. Once inside the body, the bacteria spread through the bloodstream and attack multiple organs, including the kidneys, lungs, heart and nervous system. In the kidneys, the bacteria damage the filtration system, leading to acute kidney failure. In the lungs, it causes pulmonary bleeding and fluid buildup, resulting in acute respiratory distress syndrome. The bacteria could also invade the brain and heart, triggering meningitis or fatal arrhythmias. 'Symptoms often appear between two to 14 days after exposure and may resemble the flu – fever, headache, muscle aches – making diagnosis difficult. 'Delayed treatment could result in the disease progressing rapidly, with severe and sometimes irreversible outcomes.' Periyasamy also warned of a lesser-known route of infection: contaminated canned drinks. 'Leptospira can survive on moist surfaces. Cans stored in humid warehouses or delivery trucks may carry the bacteria. 'If someone drinks from an unwashed can, the bacteria could enter through minor cuts or the mouth's mucous membranes.' He cited a 2009 case report in the Indian Journal of Microbiology linking a fatal infection to a contaminated drink can and a 2020 study showing that leptospira could survive in certain beverages for up to 15 minutes. 'While rinsing or wiping cans may reduce risk, prevention lies in hygiene and storage practices, especially among food and beverage vendors.' He called for better rodent control, clean storage areas, regular sanitation of surfaces, proper waste management using sealed bins and good personal hygiene among food handlers. 'Cans and bottles should be kept off the floor and away from areas that attract pests.' The spotlight on leptospirosis came following the death of 23-year-old Muhammad Ikmal Azizuddin from Kedah, who fell ill four days after a hiking trip in July. Ikmal began experiencing fever, diarrhoea and vomiting, but assumed it was just a common illness. Tragically, he passed away on July 17, before his family could reach him at Hospital Melaka. According to his father, the infection spread rapidly over just four days, severely damaging his kidneys, lungs, nervous system and heart. He believes the source of the infection was a canned drink consumed during the hike, which had not been washed beforehand. In 2020, a 29-year-old man died and four others were hospitalised with suspected leptospirosis after engaging in river activities in Pahang. Authorities linked the outbreak to exposure to contaminated water. Periyasamy urged health authorities to launch targeted awareness campaigns, especially in urban areas and among food vendors. These should use clear visuals and simple language, spread through social media, public transport stations, schools and community centres. He also called for stricter enforcement of vendor hygiene inspections and suggested that basic health and hygiene education be integrated into school curricula. 'Be mindful of your surroundings, especially in places with poor sanitation. Avoid contact with floodwaters, and take hygiene seriously.'
GMA Network
08-08-2025
- Health
- GMA Network
Leptospirosis deaths in San Lazaro Hospital climb to 13
Deaths due to leptospirosis at the San Lazaro Hospital in Manila climbed to 13, while admissions are now at 104 following the floods caused by the recent series of typhoons that hit the country. According to Mariz Umali's report on Unang Balita on Friday, among those who died is a 16-year-old who suffered acute renal failure due to the disease. David Suplico, San Lazaro Hospital's Medical Center chief, said that the rise of cases could be attributed to the lack of awareness that the government hospitals and barangay health centers are providing free prophylaxis, which must be taken after exposure to floodwaters. 'Hindi po nila alam na there is a prophylaxis po. Most of our 104 patients ay wala pong ininom na prophylaxis. Hindi po sila nabigyan ng doxycycline para pang-ano natin sa Leptospira bacteria,' he said. (They don't know there's a prophylaxis. Most of our 104 patients didn't take any prophylaxis. They weren't given doxycycline to prevent the complications from Leptospira bacteria.) A person is prone to getting leptospirosis if there are wounds or lesions on the skin that were exposed to the floodwaters. Hence, Suplico reminded that two capsules of doxycycline must be taken right after exposure. Further, Suplico explained that leptospirosis, which is caused by the Leptospira bacteria present in the urine of rats, can also be acquired even without floodwaters. 'Ang paglakad-lakad lang sa lupa na nakapaa ay magkakaroon din ng leptospirosis, kung ang lupa ay naihian din ng daga na may Leptospira bacteria,' he said. (Walking barefoot on soil can also lead to leptospirosis, especially if the soil has been contaminated with urine from rats carrying Leptospira bacteria.) But the hospital official said that leptospirosis can still be treated as long as there is immediate treatment. 'Kung kayo po ay may history ng paglusong sa baha, nilagnat po kayo, pumunta na kayo sa hospital at magpa-check sa doktor,' said Suplico. (If you have a history of wading in floodwaters and you develop a fever, please go to the hospital and get checked by a doctor.) Despite the influx of leptospirosis cases in the Manila-based hospital, Suplico said that the number of cases is already plateauing. 'May good news po ako sa mga kababayan natin, medyo nagpa-plateau na po ang leptospirosis. At ang naa-admit na po namin ay pababa na po nang pababa ang numero,' said Suplico. (I have good news for our fellow citizens: the leptospirosis cases are starting to plateau. The number of admissions we're seeing is steadily decreasing.) –Vince Angelo Ferreras/ VAL, GMA Integrated News
