Via ABS-CBN News: DOH monitors leptospirosis cases in Tacloban. Excerpt:
The Department of Health (DOH)-Region 8 is monitoring the increasing number of leptospirosis cases in Tacbloban City.
The DOH has recorded 13 cases of leptospirosis in the city. Two people have already died of the illness.
Officials of the DOH have started distributing doxycycline to prevent the further spread of the disease.
The public is warned against wading in flood and mud, especially those who are involved in clearing operations. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria found in rats' urine, normally present in flood waters.
Measles, tetanus
Aside from leptospirosis cases, the DOH is also monitoring cases of measles in children staying in evacuation centers. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) are providing vaccines for children.
Officials are also monitoring the increasing cases of fever, coughs and colds among those in the evacuation centers, as these may be symptoms of more serious illnesses.
The DOH and the Japanese Self Defense Forces have started fumigating and fogging evacuation centers to protect evacuees from dengue.
Two people have died of tetanus, while two infants are under observation.
