Category Archives: Health Advisory

Health advisory on Leptospirosis

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Image credit: N and People’s Tonight (June 30, 2015)

Image credit: N and People’s Tonight (June 30, 2015)

Government health experts once again cautioned the public against wading in flood water to avoid acquiring Leptospira bacteria, a fatal rat-borne infection that enters the body through open wound.

Here’s an advisory I’m reposting from the Department of Health Facebook page:

Cause: Leptospira bacteria

Incubation Period: 7-10 days

Mode of Transmission:

Entry of the leptospira bacteria through wounds when in contact with flood waters, vegetation, moist soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats.

Signs and Symptoms:

Fever
Non-specific symptoms of muscle pain, headache
Calf-muscle pain and reddish eyes fro some cases
Severe cases result tot liver involvement, kidney failure or brain involvement. Thus some cases may have yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine and light stools, low urine output, severe headache.

Treatment:

Antibiotics duly prescribed by a physician.
Early recognition and treatment within two days of illness to prevent complications of leptospirosis, so early consultation is advised.

Prevention and Control:

Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or flood water.
Use of proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to contaminated water.
Drain potentially contaminated water when possible.
Control rats in the household by using rat traps or rat poison, maintaining cleanliness in the house.

**As to the availability of medicine for Leptospirosis in drugstores, the DOH advised the public NOT TO SELF-MEDICATE.

CONSULT A DOCTOR if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned in the list above.

DOCTORS WILL PRESCRIBE the medicine for you to take and how to manage your infection.

Warning signs of heat stroke

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Our suking ice cream vendor doesn’t look well when he handed me the ice cream I bought from him the other day. He appeared slightly pale, perspiring and exhausted. I told him to take a rest in the shade of the mango tree in front of our house. He told me that he almost fainted the other day, but tried hard not to fall from where he was standing because he was afraid there wouldn’t be anyone to help him. Poor manong. He stopped for a while but continue pushing his cart to offer ice cream to the potential clients nearby.

So, what are the warning signs of heat stroke? Even when we are in the confines of our own homes, we are not spared from heat stroke.

Heat stroke usually starts with signs of heat exhaustion:

  • Warm, flushed skin
  • Faintness
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Very high fever of 41 degrees centigrade
  • Headache
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Convulsion
  • Unconsciousness

What should we do to prevent heat stroke:

  • Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing when outdoors.
  • Schedule heavy-duty activities for the beginning or end of the day, when it’s cooler.

Source: doh.gov.ph

No more milk tea for now

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For fear of poisoning (story here), my daughter who loves milk tea will refrain from drinking one for now. Cases of food and beverage poisoning caused by bacterial contamination is particularly high during the summer months. We can avoid getting sick if we are wary of the food and water we take. We may also check on the sanitation of the stores we get our favorite snacks from. Don’t get me wrong, maraming simpleng stores (‘yung tipong suki na natin) pero malinis naman ang pagkagawa ng paninda nila. Alarming lang talaga nangyari sa milk tea poisoning.

Meanwhile, the government has issued an update regarding the alleged milk tea poisoning:

The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and toxicologists from the UP-Philippine General Hospital (PGH), obtained and studied the footage from the food establishment to aid in assessing the clinical manifestations and course of illness of the victims. Samples of the milk tea ingested were also submitted for examination. Preliminary results were negative for suspected toxic substances. However, we have expanded the tests to include biological samples such as blood, tissues, and gastric contents from the victims as collected during the autopsy.

The situation appears to be an isolated event, pointing to a possible case of poisoning. Let me emphasize that this is isolated. In fact, this is the third time the couple bought milk tea in the same food establishment. No untoward incident happened during the previous intake. We appeal to the public not to generalize the situation as many small and medium scale enterprises are dependent on the sale of milk tea and similar beverages.

A joint DOH-DENR Advisory concerning cyanide-containing substances has been issued in 2010. Taking into consideration the serious health impact of cyanide-containing silver jewelry cleaning solutions, the DOH calls for the immediate passage of a law making the sale and dispensing of these substances a criminal act. Meanwhile, we urge the local government units to pass ordinances banning these substances in their respective jurisdictions.

We call on the public to be aware of the initial signs and symptoms of poisoning, such as vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and impaired or loss of consciousness. Whether mild or severe, the patient should be immediately brought to the nearest hospital. Poisoning is deadly and immediate medical attention is warranted.For inquiries, the National Poison Center-PGH, which is open 24 hours and seven days a week,may be reached at the following numbers: (02) 554-8400 local 2311, (02) 524-1078, or 0922-8961541.

doh.gov.ph