Iloilo City distributes doxycycline to prevent leptospirosis

The Iloilo City Government has distributed doxycycline capsules to 15,118 residents during rainy days to prevent leptospirosis.

City Health Officer Dr. Mary Ann Diaz said barangay health workers distribute the medication door-to-door and at fixed sites during medical consultations.

On Friday, the Department of Health (DOH) Western Visayas Center for Health Development sent 50,000 capsules of doxycycline to Iloilo City in response to Mayor Raisa Treñas's appeal.

From January 1 to July 19, the city logged 16 suspected cases of leptospirosis, including seven probable cases and three deaths, most of whom worked in markets.

In just one week (July 18-24), around 40,000 individuals have been given at least two capsules of doxycycline due to the surge in demand caused by flooding.