Quezon city: The Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) has intensified its disease surveillance in evacuation centers to prevent diseases from spreading and ensure the health of the evacuees displaced by flooding due to the enhanced southwest monsoon or 'habagat.'
According to Philippines News Agency, as of 9 a.m. Tuesday, a total of 2,326 families or 8,209 individuals were staying in the city's 42 evacuation centers across 21 barangays. The city government emphasized the importance of delivering health needs such as free checkups, medicines, and vitamins. Doctors were accompanied by Disease Surveillance Officers in the evacuation centers who conducted Surveillance in Post-Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (SPEED).
SPEED aims to determine who and how many individuals are experiencing symptoms of leptospirosis, dengue, flu, and water-borne diseases, as well as other illnesses. The SPEED personnel visited several key locations, including the Manggahan Fire Station Evacuation Center in Barangay Bagumbayan, District 3; a basketball court in Barangay Project 6, Apolonio Samson Multi-Purpose Hall; and the Sanville and Casanova Multi-Purpose Hall in Barangay Culiat.
Based on the latest data from the QC government, the largest number of evacuees was recorded in District 2, with 1,244 families or 4,520 individuals, followed by District 5, with 654 families or 2,373 individuals. In addition to monitoring efforts, community health workers are distributing post-exposure prophylaxis against leptospirosis and seeking out individuals with possible symptoms of leptospirosis and dengue.
From January 1 to August 6, the city government recorded a total of 139 leptospirosis cases, including 18 deaths linked to the disease. Leptospirosis is caused by leptospira bacteria that can be spread through the urine of infected rats and contaminate floodwater.
The city government advised residents who have waded through floodwater to visit the nearest health center for a free checkup and assessment for post-exposure prophylaxis. Residents experiencing fever, body aches, red eyes, or other symptoms after exposure are urged to seek medical attention immediately.
QC health centers operate from Monday to Friday, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents can also reach out to QC Helpline 122 for emergencies and immediate assistance.
