Metro Manila, Philippines – The Department of Health (DOH) cautioned against indiscriminate distribution of doxycycline for leptospirosis prevention, saying the antibiotic’s dosage and frequency depend on a person’s level of exposure to floodwater.
Health Undersecretary Gloria Balboa said house-to-house distribution by local governments and groups may be done, but only by trained health workers who can properly assess the recipient’s risk of exposure.
“Okay naman yung nagbabahay-bahay, basta health worker kasi trained naman ang health workers kung paano ang pagbibigay,” Balboa said during a joint briefing with the Office of Civil Defense on Monday, Aug. 31.
[Translation: House-to-house distribution is fine, as long as it is done by health workers, since they are trained on how to administer it.]
She said people who wade through floodwater have different levels of risk. Those with low-risk exposure, such as someone who waded through floodwater once without wounds, may require a single 200-milligram dose, while those with higher exposure may require a different dosage or frequency.
She said added people who are continuously exposed to floodwater may require weekly doses.
Meanwhile, Balboa said the DOH currently has sufficient doxycycline supplies, with stocks prepositioned in central and regional offices. Health centers have also been provided with supplies, while some local governments have procured the antibiotic themselves.
The DOH is also continuing procurement of doxycycline, she said, with supply requirements being determined based on the expected need.
Balboa advised people to avoid wading through floodwater whenever possible. For those who cannot avoid exposure, she recommended using protective gear such as boots and raincoats.
“Iyan pwedeng basta lang ipamigay, pero yung doxycycline merong guidelines,” Balboa said.
[Translation: Those can be distributed freely, but doxycycline has guidelines that must be followed.]
