Olongapo launches novel way to prevent recurrence of dreaded disease | SubicNewsLink

31 July 2014

Olongapo launches novel way to prevent recurrence of dreaded disease

OLONGAPO CITY - Cash for rats, this is the theme of the local government after it declared the month of August as Leptospirosis Prevention Month.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said that the aim of the local government is to have a strong awareness campaign against the dreaded disease that once hit the city that infected more than 600 people and killed several others.

It can be recalled that the city was hit by a leptospirosis outbreak last year after a massive flooding.

Leptospirosis is caused by a strain of bacteria called leptospira found in rats and mice which can infect humans after a natural disaster, such as a flood.

“This campaign was not meant to be a livelihood for our residents, it is really an awareness campaign to let our residents know that rats equals to leptospirosis,” Paulino said.

He added that the target for this year is zero (0) leptospirosis cases.

Doctor Rodrick Bustamante, head of the Olongapo City Health Office said that the program would run for the whole month of August.

“We will be giving out P10 per big rat and P5 for small ones.” Bustamante added.

He added that residents could bring the dead rats at the city health office and then a health officer would bring the collected rats in an isolated place for proper disposal.

“Ayaw na naming maulet yung nagyare last year, and frankly speaking we have already sent out our health workers before the rainy season to give out medicines against common disease and leptospirosis,” Bustamante added.

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