WITH thousands of families cramped inside evacuation centers due to the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco), officials of the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, November 13, 2020, sounded the alarm over the possibility of a spike in coronavirus infections.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said it wouldn't be surprising if the country sees a surge in coronavirus cases given the lack of physical distancing among evacuees.
"It's a possibility. It's a very strong possibility," said Duque.
This was seconded by DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, who said this would be known within one month.
"The threat of seeing a surge in cases is there because of the crowding in evacuation centers. We can see its effect in three to four weeks," Vergeire said in a virtual press briefing.
Duque said this is the reason why they have been urging local authorities to ensure the designation of safety officers in evacuation centers.
"Our LGUs need to designate safety officers in evacuation centers to closely monitor the evacuees and their adherence to our minimum health standards," said Duque.
Vergeire said the safety officers shall be the ones to echo the DOH's call for continued adherence to the minimum public health standards.
"Our safety officers must remind the people to wear masks, practice physical distancing and do frequent handwashing," said Vergeire.
Aside from coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the people affected by the typhoon are also at risk of leptospirosis and tetanus.
Vergeire said those who waded in floodwaters should visit local health centers to request for prophylaxis.
"Leptospirosis is deadly. We need to take prophylaxis within 24 to 48 hours after wading in floodwaters to prevent getting sick," she said.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which enters through wounds that came in contact with floodwaters, vegetation and moist soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats.
Vergeire also urged those who were wounded during evacuation to seek anti-tetanus vaccines from local health centers.
"Within 24 hours from being wounded, we have to get anti-tetanus shots in our health centers. It is for free," said Vergeire.
Tetanus is an infection that occurs when the pathogen Clostridium tetani enter the body through wounds. (HDT / SunStar Philippines)