MMDA: SWIMMING OR PLAYING IN FLOODS, BANNED

MMDA has enacted a regulation that bans residents of Metro Manila from swimming in floodwaters for fun (Photo courtesy of Rappler)

A regulation banning swimming, playing, loitering, or unnecessary walking in floodwaters has been released by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to avoid a spike in leptospirosis cases especially in children.

The MMDA Regulation 24-003 states that “children and adults are prohibited from swimming, playing, gallivanting and/or unnecessarily wading or doing any other leisurely activities in floodwaters.”

“A clear distinction between swimming in floodwater for recreation, and having no other choice but to walk through floods to go to work, school or even to evacuation,” was stressed by MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes.

In San Lazaro Hospital in Manila, patients are being admitted for leptospirosis even though there were no recent storms or severe flooding in recent weeks.

Metro Manila’s 17 local government units would also set penalties and more rules on their respective ordinances patterned after the MMDA regulation. In San Juan City, parents of children caught swimming in floodwaters, as well as adults, with fines of as much as P2,000 depending on the frequency.

According to Dr. Rontgene Solante, chairman of the Adult Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine unit of the San Lazaro Hospital, “There are patients as young as 20 to 24 years old with severe leptospirosis. This is the exposure that was brought after Carina. We have still to monitor those who are exposed during the Severe Tropical Storm Enteng flood. 

Metro Manila local government units will also launch information and education drives “to raise awareness on leptospirosis among the populace on the nature, symptoms and risks to life and health of the disease/s caused by exposure to floodwaters.”

Leptospirosis comes from bacteria that comes from the urine of animals such as rats and it can enter the body of a person with a wound or it can also be in the eyes, mouth, or nose. When exposed to contaminated water, symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, tremors, vomiting, rashes, and yellowing of the skin and eyes can be experienced.

Both the local governments and the public are urged to practice proper waste disposal that would prevent clogging of drainage and infestation of rodents whose infected urine is a top source of leptospirosis.

Source: GMA Integrated News 

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