Garin urges DOH to combat leptospirosis, cites lack of prevention

Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin called on the Department of Health (DOH) to be more aggressive in combating leptospirosis following recent floods.

Garin criticized the DOH for not delivering doxycycline, an antibiotic used to prevent leptospirosis, to affected provinces before Typhoon Carina and enhanced southwest monsoon hit Luzon.

She emphasized that while funds are available for free doxycycline, its availability in flood-affected areas is often difficult, leading to a lack of preventive measures.

Garin urged the DOH to improve public health communication and treat rising cases as an opportunity to enhance information dissemination campaigns.

The DOH reported 67 new leptospirosis cases from July 14 to July 27, bringing the total number of cases this year to 1,444 with 162 deaths.