DOH wants ban on swimming in floods

[Mike J]

Many laws already on the books that are not followed.  Time now to also add laws that sound kind of stupid.  People wade to get out of the flood water, they go there to swim and have a good time. 

MANILA, Philippines — As cases of leptospirosis continue to rise, the Department of Health (DOH) plans to ask local government units, especially in flood-prone areas, to ban swimming in floodwaters.

Speaking to reporters yesterday at Malacañang, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa lamented the public’s lack of information about leptospirosis.

“I will recommend to local chief executives, to mayors, to issue an ordinance... to ban swimming in floodwaters,” Herbosa said.

The DOH chief said he would also talk with Education Secretary Sonny Angara to help in educating children about acquiring the disease by swimming in water contaminated with animal urine.

“It’s not a communication problem, it’s a behavior problem. We need a change in behavior,” Herbosa said.

He also called for proper solid waste management as accumulation of garbage attracts rats, the common cause of leptospirosis, adding that most of the cases were in areas affected by the recent flooding due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Herbosa gave assurance that there is no shortage of doxycycline, which is used to treat the disease. Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain and headaches.

Reports said a total of 1,444 leptospirosis cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to July 27 this year – a figure 42 percent lower compared to the 2,505 cases in the same period last year.

Dr. Alberto Domingo, DOH spokesman and assistant secretary, said the cases are expected to rise further.

“Not yet included in our latest data are the new cases we have now – those lined up in hospitals. Thus, we are seeing a rise in the number,” Domingo said in a televised interview.

He assured the public that even with the rise, there are still enough beds in hospitals for leptospirosis patients.

“We do not lack hospital beds. There are times, we observe there are hospitals about to get filled with patients but we are still able to manage,” Domingo said.

He reminded the public to seek immediate consultation after wading in floodwaters.

[scott h]

I saw this article also....he got one this right though.........

28 minutes ago, Mike J said:

it’s a behavior problem. We need a change in behavior,

That being said, I can honestly say that 50% of the problems here could be fixed if certain behaviors were changed.

[graham59]

Another 'official' in cloud cuckoo land. 

[Snowy79]

Filipino behaviour change has just been added to my list of oxymorons. 

[Old55]

Perhaps I'm missing something. Filipinos have a choice, swimming in flood waters or drowning. 

If the almighty rulers were to implement a storm water drainage system this would no longer be an issue. 

[Mike J]

3 hours ago, Old55 said:

Perhaps I'm missing something. Filipinos have a choice, swimming in flood waters or drowning. 

Exactly, kind of like some "expert" had a bad case of cranial rectitis.  

[Snowy79]

On 8/14/2024 at 1:44 AM, Old55 said:

Perhaps I'm missing something. Filipinos have a choice, swimming in flood waters or drowning. 

If the almighty rulers were to implement a storm water drainage system this would no longer be an issue. 

Unfortunately most of the videos I saw showed kids and adults playing around in the flood water for Tik Tok and other media views. 

Floating on inner tubes drinking Red Horse, jumping off buildings into the floodwater etc. 

[graham59]

Adapt or go under...

 

[graham59]

[Old55]

8 hours ago, Snowy79 said:

Unfortunately most of the videos I saw showed kids and adults playing around in the flood water for Tik Tok and other media views. 

Floating on inner tubes drinking Red Horse, jumping off buildings into the floodwater etc. 

Very true. 

Amazing Cholera is not an issue there.