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DPH advises vs leptospirosis, pest infestation
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Posted on Jul 01 2004
The Department of Public Health yesterday asked the public to take preventive actions against the possible incidence of leptospirosis and other illnesses that may come as a result of infestation of rodents, mosquitoes, and other pests brought by the continuous downpour following the onslaught of Typhoon Tingting.
DPH Secretary James U. Hofschneider said people must ensure good sanitation and regular maintenance in homes or businesses to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
In particular, the department asked the public to collect all tin cans and plastic bottles and dispose them safely, backfill stagnant pools using dirt or sand, and avoid collection of rainwater in any man-made items, like cans, containers, boxes, etc.
While there has bee no reported cases of leptospirosis so far, the department warned of its possible occurrence due to the current weather condition.
Leptospirosis is usually found in the urine of rodents, and can be extremely harmful to humans and animals.
To avoid such incidents, the department asked the public:
* to locate and clean up areas where rats may breed;
* to not leave food scraps out;
* to cover trash and use metal trash cans that are rat proof;
* to fix holes where rats can enter the house;
* to boil catchment water for at least five minutes before use; to set rat traps;
* to dispose of dead rats properly by burning or deep burial; to wear gloves and decontaminate traps with bleach; and
* to keep children from playing in collecting rain water and muddied areas.
“Typhoon Tingting continues to inundate the CNMI with rain. Because of these extreme weather conditions, the department would like to remind the public of necessary safety measures,” said the DPH.
The department advised the public to call the Bureau of Environmental Health at 664-4870/4873 or the DPH public information office at 236-8207 for more details.
