The Department of Health (DOH) has raised a Code White Alert across its health facilities to monitor and respond to a potential surge in leptospirosis cases brought on by continuous monsoon rains and extensive flooding in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Under the DOH alert protocol, a Code White Alert places medical personnel, including general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists, on heightened readiness to respond immediately to incoming emergencies.
During a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instructed health officials to work closely with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to manage health risks associated with the severe weather.
Castro added that health facilities operating under Health Secretary Edwin Mercado remain fully functional, with ample stockpiles distributed across regional Centers for Health Development (CHDs).
“Nakatutok din ang DOH, sa pangunguna ni Secretary Edwin Mercado, sa posibleng pagtaas ng kaso ng leptospirosis dulot ng malawakang pagbaha. Kaugnay nito, nananatiling operational at sapat ang supply ng mga pasilidad ng DOH habang nakataas ang Code White alert sa mga apektadong centers for health development,” Castro stated.
To address potential outbreaks, the DOH Central Office has around 3.1 million doxycycline capsules on standby. The agency’s 17 CHDs are likewise stocked with sufficient supplies of the antibiotic to support local government units and public hospitals.
“Sapat ang supply ng gamot para tumugon sa pangangailangan ng mga ospital at lokal na pamahalaan,” Castro noted.
The health department continues to advise the public to avoid wading through contaminated floodwaters and to seek immediate medical advice or prophylaxis within 24 to 48 hours of exposure, even if no symptoms are present.