LEPTO ALERT GLOBAL RESPONSE

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III accompanies the World Health Organization expert team on leptospirosis control headed by Dr. Shin Young –soo (WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific) and Dr. Soe Nyunt-U (WHO Country Representative to the Phil.) during their visit on Wednesday (October 28, 2009) to flooded areas in Calamba, Laguna. The team, whose members are drawn from the Global Outbreak Alerts and Response Network (GOARN), will be assisting the Philippine government by providing technical assessment and assistance in the surveillance, epidemiological and clinical care of those who fall sick from the disease. The GOARN team will cover parts of Pangasinan, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon where a heightened alert was declared after the extensive flooding caused by tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng. The Department of Health remains on heightened alert against further outbreak of leptospirosis. As of October 27, a total of 181,932 individuals have been given prophylaxis (for NCR: Marikina-56, 426 persons; Malabon-2,364; Quezon City-25,916; Taguig-19,224; Pateros-4,116; Parañaque-12,166; Pasay-5,948; Muntinlupa-3,533; and Pasig-1,417; for Region IVA: Rizal-19,608; and Laguna-7,652. The DOH also distributed 1.8 million capsules of doxycycline.

FDA LAUNCHES HOTLINE FOR DRUG COMPLAINTS OR PROBLEMS

From: DOH Webpage

Press Release/27 October 2009

Any complaints on the drug you’re taking?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH) launched today a hotline for reporting any complaints of drugs sold in the country.

Consumers may now report to the FDA any complaint or problem with their medicines to telephone # 807-8275, or text 090... or 0909-2080500, or email at ireport@bfad.gov.ph. Reports may also be made through the Bantay Gamot Report Forms available in most drugstores.

“In this age of globalization, consumerism, free trade, and increasing use of the internet, the ordinary person now has easy access to different drugs and medicines. Combine this with the penchant for self-medication and the need to improve the drug dispensing practices of our pharmacists and we have a potentially harmful situation where drug safety is questioned,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III declared.

To address this situation, the FDA came up with the Medicines Surveillance Integrating Consumer Reporting Project in the National Capital Region which aims to educate consumers on the proper use of drugs and increase consumer awareness as to where to report complaints or problems with their medicines.

Previously, the FDA has received consumer reports that led to the detection of substandard drug preparations, adverse drug reactions and counterfeit medicines.

“These reports involved illegal business operation practices, such as operating without a license or a registered pharmacist, unlawful dispensing of drugs in the absence of a pharmacist, selling of unregistered drug products, or expired drugs, or suspected counterfeit drugs,” Duque explained.

Other reports were about errors in drug dispensing, common side effects of medicines, lack of drug efficacy, false claims of food supplements, and quality defects,” the health chief added.

“All reports will be treated as confidential and shall be analyzed and investigated following FDA protocol.” Duque assured.

In case of complaints against any drug, the caller may give his name, address, and contact numbers; however, in case of adverse drug reactions, the caller will be asked to give this information and other clinical data as needed.

“The FDA is committed to guard efficiently our nation’s drug supply and advocates patient care to protect the right to health of every Filipino,” Duque concluded.

DUQUE, BAYUGO DISTRIBUTES DOXICYCLINE IN SAN PEDRO, LAGUNA

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III distributes doxicycline capsules to residents of Barangay Landayan, San Pedro, Laguna where about 25,000 residents are still submerged in floodwater due to typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng. Duque urged local government to help provide medicines to flooded residents in order to prevent Leptospirosis, which in severe stage leads to death. Assisting Duque is CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Gerry Bayugo.

DOH INKS MOA WITH PRIVATE HOSPITALS TO TREAT LEPTOSPIROSIS CASE

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with 5 PhilHealth-accredited private medical facilities where the government can refer leptospirosis patients that state hospitals can no longer accommodate. The DOH, through the MOA, will subsidize the financial requirements of patients that it will refer to these hospitals.

“The sudden upsurge of leptospirosis cases after the massive flooding caused by tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng brought us to a situation where we need to get into special arrangements with medical facilities from the private sector to help the government treat patients, especially the non-PhilHealth member indigents. So, with this subsidy package for leptospirosis we aim to cover all those who needed medical attention but cannot afford to due to financial constraints,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said.

The five private-owned medical facilities that signed the MOA today are: Capitol Medical Center, MCU-F.D. Tanchoco Medical Foundation Hospital, Manila Doctors Hospital, Los Baños Doctors Hospital, and The Medical City.

The other hospitals that have also expressed support are: St. Luke’s Medical Center, Delos Santos-STI Medical Center, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Fe Del Mundo Children’s Medical Center Foundation, Dr. Jesus Delgado Memorial Hospital, Chinese General Hospital, and Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.

The health chief said that under the DOH subsidy package, patients with an uncomplicated case is entitled to P5,000, while the one with complicated one will get P20,000.

“But patients cannot just go to these private hospitals and avail of this treatment package because only those that will be referred by DOH hospitals due to congestion will be accommodated by our pre-identified referral private facilities,” Duque explained.

Under this MOA, the DOH and its hospitals shall make appropriate referral of patients to the participating hospitals for medical treatment. It shall also pay for every referred indigent patient based on the agreed package.

On the other hand, the participating hospitals must be equipped with hemo and peritoneal dialysis, intensive care units and ventilator capabilities. They should also set up a special ward and allot additional beds in anticipation of referrals, among other obligations.

SEVERE LEPTO CASE AT EAMC

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III checks the condition of a 38-year old leptospirosis patient from Bagong Silang, Quezon City. Said patient has already undergone his fifth dialysis treatment as a result of leptospirosis complication. As of October 19, the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) has 267 leptospirosis cases, with about 23 immediately needing dialysis. Most of these patients came from Quezon City, Rizal, Marikina, Caloocan, and Pasig. Also in photo is EAMC Hospital Director Dr. Roland Cortez.

LEPTOSPIROSIS INCREASING IN METRO

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally checking the health conditions of patients afflicted with leptospirosis at the San Lazaro Hospital. Duque observed that the number of admissions of female and children with leptospirosis in submerged areas is increasing. As of October 17, the Department of Health has recorded a total of 1,665 leptospirosis cases and 104 deaths in 15 hospitals in Metro Manila. Leptospirosis’ signs and symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, and yellowing of the skin. All suspected cases are advised to seek medical consultation immediately to prevent complications.

DUQUE DECLARES LEPTO OUTBREAK

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today during a press conference (16 October 2009) declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in the barangays of Tumana, Malanday, and Concepcion I in Marikina. Duque revealed that a mass administration of prophylaxis against leptospirosis will be immediately provided to affected population. He also warned the public not to wade in flood waters and to use protective boots in order to prevent leptospirosis, and other diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis. Leptospirosis is usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with urine of infected animals. The disease’s signs and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In extreme cases, jaundice, abdominal pain, and kidney damage may result.

RELIEF EFFORTS

From: DOH WebPage

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III on 13 October 2009 distributed assorted medicines, water containers, hyposol, drinking water and packs of relief goods to residents of Dagupan City affected by typhoon Pepeng. Duque also warned on the rising cases of leptospirosis as some barangays in the area still remain submerged in floodwater. Latest statistics disclose that there are now 812 cases of leptospirosis from January 1 up to October 12. This figure is 5.3% higher than last year for the same period. Most of the cases came from National Capital Region (46%), Western Visayas (17%), and Bicol region (5%). Majority of cases were male (91%).

DOH WARNS PUBLIC ON LEPTOSPIROSIS AFTER THE FLOOD

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health (DOH) today warned the public against leptospirosis as it noted a spike in the number of cases from 9 private and government hospitals in Metro Manila after tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng struck the country one after the other recently.

“With the recent spate of flooding in the different areas of the country, we expect cases of leptospirosis to rise after two weeks and it is still best to be aware of the symptoms and seek early treatment of the disease,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III explained.

As of October 12, the DOH recorded 383 cases from the East Avenue Medical Center (69 cases), Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center (1), Manila Doctor’s Hospital (10), The Medical City (70), National Kidney and Transplant Institute (28), Quirino Memorial Medical Center (18), Philippine General Hospital (17), Rizal Medical Center (13), and the San Lazaro Hospital (157).

“This is a cause for concern since this surge in cases being reported by only 9 Metro Manila hospitals already represents about half of last year’s annual figures when we reported 769 total cases”, Duque said.

Leptospirosis is caused by swallowing the bacteria directly from water, absorbing it through cuts in the skin, or through food. Although the disease is commonly associated with rat urine, infection can also come from animals like cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, and wild animals. The bacteria live in freshwater and are killed immediately by heat, disinfectant, acids and alkalis.

The disease’s incubation period is seven to 12 days after exposure. Symptoms may appear suddenly as early as four days after exposure, or as late as 21 days. Common signs and symptoms are flu-like and include fever, a red skin rash and general weakness. Headaches, reaction to light, muscle and joint pains, vomiting, and fatigue are also common. Incubation period may last up to a month. Death may also occur.

“We strongly advise anyone who had a history of wading in the recent floods and who has the symptoms of the disease to consult at once at the nearest doctor or health facility for treatment”, the health chief said.

Duque also said that anyone working in flood water should protect any broken skin by using boots and preventing flood water from entering their mouth. All drinking water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least five minutes and preferably up to 20 minutes, according to the World Health Organization’s guidelines.

“Protect food and drinking water from contamination, fresh vegetables and fruit should be washed in clean water first before cooking or peeling”, he concluded.

COME HELL OR HIGH WATER- DOH ON THE GO

From: DOH WebPage

The Department of Health medical team headed by Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and CALABARZON Regional Director Dr. Gerry Bayugo, recently conducted a relief and medical mission in isolated Bgy. San Juan in Taytay Rizal, which was severely damaged by typhoon Ondoy. Using a rubber boat, Duque visited several households and gave vitamin A and measles vaccine to all susceptible children. He also warned residents of the possible diseases like leptospirosis, typhoid, respiratory ailments, and skin diseases that may occur as a result of the flooding. (9 October 2009, Taytay Rizal)

VITAMIN A TO PREVENT INFECTION

From: DOH WebPage


Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally administers vitamin A to four-year old Mac Bryan Cortel at the ULTRA evacuation center in Pasig City, where more than 500 families are presently seeking refuge from the devastation brought by typhoon ‘Ondoy”. Duque strongly urged all evacuees to practice personal, as well as environmental hygiene, in order to prevent transmission of diseases. (8 October 2009)

HEALTH CHECK

From: DOH WebPage

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III personally checking the health conditions of evacuees devastated by Typhoon Ondoy. In order to prevent diseases in evacuation centers, Duque urges everyone to practice good personal hygiene like boiling water use for cooking and drinking, washing hands with soap and water before and after eating and after using the toilet, using toilet facilities/portalets for one’s personal needs, using protective clothing to avoid dengue, and to breastfeed every child because mother’s milk provides complete nutrition and that water in evacuation sites is usually unsafe. (5 October 2009, Taguig City)

WHO BACKS DOH OVER BAN ON MILK PRODUCTS FOR ONDOY CHILDREN

From: DOH WebPage

MANILA, 2 October 2009—The World Health Organization (WHO) today applauded the Philippines Department of Health for its efforts to prevent donations of milk products to infants and young children sheltering in evacuation centres in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy.

In a statement, WHO said donations of infant formula and other powdered milk products, while well-meaning, endanger children’s lives. It was a misconception that in emergencies, many mothers could no longer breastfeed adequately due to stress or inadequate nutrition.

Dr Howard Sobel, acting WHO Representative, explained: "Stress is not likely to inhibit breast-milk production, provided mothers and infants remain together and are supported to breastfeed. Mothers who lack food or who are malnourished can still breastfeed adequately. Adequate fluids and extra food for the mother will help to sustain her health and well-being."

During emergency situations, the need for nutrition to maintain health increases, but structural damage caused by flooding jeopardizes clean water supplies, Dr Sobel said. "Contaminated water supplies increase the risk of water borne diseases. Diarrhoea, other infectious diseases and under-nutrition skyrocket. The younger the infant, the higher the risk."

Even in the absence of crises, an estimated 82,000 children die every year before their fifth birthday in the Philippines. Half of these deaths are related to common infectious diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, neonatal sepsis and measles. Malnutrition lies at the root of many of these conditions.

Exclusive breastfeeding is the single best way to avoid diarrhoea and other diseases, Dr Sobel said. Under normal circumstances, infants who are not breastfed are four times more likely to die from pneumonia and 14 times more likely to die from diarrhoea, than infants who are exclusively breastfed for the first six months. Breastfeeding continues to benefit children up to two years of age or beyond.

Breastmilk protects against infection through a complete complement of antibodies, immunological stimulating proteins, and nourishing vitamins. It provides the right amount of energy to further protect against malnutrition.

The WHO/UNICEF Global Infant and Young Feeding Strategy recommends that infants start breastfeeding within one hour of birth and continue breastfeeding exclusively (with no food or liquid other than breast milk, not even water) until six months of age. This policy applies in emergency situations. After six months, infants should begin to receive a variety of foods, while breastfeeding continues up to two years of age or beyond.

____

For more information, please contact:

DR HOWARD SOBEL

Acting WHO Representative

in the Philippines

Tel. Nos.: +632 528 9768; 338 7479

Email: sobelh@wpro.who.int ; who.phl@wpro.who.int