Amid reports of rising cases of leptospirosis among farmers, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling on the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure adequate medicines are available in farming communities, which are the most vulnerable to the disease, especially during the rainy season.
Noting that farmers regularly work in flooded rice fields and other waterlogged agricultural areas, the senator pointed out that this places them at heightened risk of exposure to leptospirosis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
“Bilang ating mga frontliners na sumisigurong mayroon tayong pagkain araw-araw, hindi naman siguro tama na nasa bingit pa sila ng kamatayan o sinasakripisyo ang kanilang kalusugan para lang makapag trabaho,” the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said.
He urged the Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with local government units, to maintain adequate stocks of treatment medicines for leptospirosis in rural health units, especially in agricultural communities prone to flooding.
The lawmaker also underscored the need for intensified public health information campaigns to educate farmers and rural residents on preventive measures, early symptoms, and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention after possible exposure.
“Uulitin ko: ang pangangalaga sa ating mga magsasaka ay pangangalaga rin sa ating food producers. Kailangan nila ng proteksyon laban sa sakit, lalong-lalo na tuwing tag-ulan at nagkakaroon ng panganib sa kanilang kalusugan,” Pangilinan added.
According to the DOH, there has been a 6% increase in leptospirosis cases from January 4 to June 6 last year compared with the same period this year. The agency said that the majority of the cases involve farmers, who are susceptible to the disease because of their prolonged exposure to mud and potentially contaminated water.
Symptoms of leptospirosis can range from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening organ failure. Early treatment is crucial to prevent more severe complications, as it can be fatal if left untreated.