ZAMBOANGA CITY — The local government's City Health Office is warning the public of the possible proliferation of leptospirosis and other diseases associated with flooding and bad weather.

In line with this, the CHO provided vitamins and prophylaxis to the different health districts for distribution to residents and evacuees to lower the risk of acquiring leptospirosis.

City Health officer Dr. Dulce Miravite said that prophylaxis for leptospirosis was also distributed to agencies that responded and assisted in rescue operations during the flash floods in the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals. The risk of acquiring the disease is high when people swim or wade in floodwaters that might be contaminated with animal urine.

Miravite said her office, through the 16 health districts, has intensified anti-leptospirosis advocacy to increase awareness on preventive and control measures.

She said her office has recorded a number of leptospirosis cases since January.

Meanwhile, she said they have deployed Quick Response Teams to evacuation centers to conduct situation assessments and ensure the well-being of those displaced in the aftermath of Paeng.

One of the QRT teams conducted assessment at the gymnasium of Barangay Ayala where 535 families with 2,140 individuals are temporarily housed.

Miravite said included in the assessment are the water supply, sanitation and hygiene, and other concerns.