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Philippines floods - hazards for aid workers
Monday, 19 October, 2009
The Philippines including metropolitan Manila and central and northern Luzon have been badly affected by a series of typhoons - yet another is on its way – resulting in extensive flooding. There has been an inevitable rise in the usual infectious diseases associated with flooding but rescue workers and aid personnel involved in helping the population in flood-affected areas face yet another hazard. The Philippine government on Friday 16th October expressed concern over the growing number of cases of leptospirosis, a deadly disease obtained by wading in flood waters that contain the urine and waste of infected rats. The germs (leptospira) can invade through any cuts, sores or abrasions on the skin and then affect the liver causing jaundice and bleeding, or the nervous system causing a form of meningitis. Precautions include using wading boots and covering any break in the skin with suitable waterproof dressings. The disease responds to antibiotics if detected early.
The antimalarial drug doxycycline is effective . Anyone who is likely to be involved in aid or rescue work should discuss the possibility of taking doxycycline prophylactically with a health professional.
