INMATES, JAIL PERSONNEL ALERTED FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS, OTHER WATER-BORNE DISEASES

        Heavy rains for the past days have submerged several streets of Metro Manila and did not spare flood–prone jails in the National Capital Region.  Manila City Jail for one and jails in the CAMANAVA area are the usual vulnerable facilities during the rainy season. 

        As the heavy downpour continues, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief, Director Armando M. Llamasares issued a directive to all BJMP regional directors and wardens to be wary against leptospirosis, an infectious disease of human and animals caused by the spirochete and characterized by fever, muscular pain and jaundice, affecting the liver and kidney, causing death in some cases and also other water-borne diseases.

        Llamasares directive was in compliance with the orders of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno to clean jail premises and unclog sewers and canals to present flood and incidents of water-borne diseases.

        Leptospirosis infection occurs by direct contact with an infected animal’s urine or contact with and long exposure to a contaminated water or soil, Llamasares said.  He added that rats are the most common carrier and probable source of leptospirosis.

        Llamasares reminded inmates and jail personnel that abraded skin and exposed mucous membranes are the usual portals of entry of the infection and warned them not to expose themselves long enough in flooded areas.

        In his directive, Llamasares enjoined all BJMP regional directors and wardens to coordinate with health officials on their respective localities and report any inmates showing symptoms of leptospirosis infection like high fever, prostration or extreme physical weakness or exhaustion, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

        He also urged jail health personnel to conduct information campaign regarding leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases.