Leptospirosis remains a preventable disease with coordinated public health action, timely treatment, and community engagement in particular to flood-prone areas in the country.

1. ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL : Rodent control programs to reduce reservoirs of infection including sanitation and waste management

2. COMMUNITY EDUCATION: Public awareness campaigns (Avoiding wading in floodwaters and highlight importance of protective clothing

3. CHEMOPROPHYLAXIS : Doxycycline for high risk- groups (ie. rescue workers, farmers etc) and during outbreaks or after floods; DOXYCYCLINE 200 mg ORAL Once weekly during periods of exposure risk (ie after wading in floods or in high-risk occupations)

4. Expand LABORATORY and DIAGNOSTIC CAPACITY : Point of Care (POC) testing deploy Rapid diagnostic kits to hospitals and community for early detection and triage (b) Use Mobile Laboratory units in OUTBREAK HOTSPOTS.

5. Secure ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES and EQUIPMENTS: Antibiotics (Oral Doxycycline, IV Penicillin and IV Ceftriaxone in Leptospirosis), Dialysis and ICU care needs, adequate Protective clothing (PPE) for all frontline staff and CHWs.

6. Strengthen REFERRAL and TRANSPORT SYSTEMS: (a) Ambulance Coordination and clear protocols for rapid transport of sick patients (b) Map and activate Referral Network between community, primary care and tertiary care facilities

7. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT and PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES including Education Campaign (early symptoms recognition, prevention and when to seek care), Chemoprophylaxis, Importance of LGU collaboration and environmental sanitation for rodent control

8. DATA-DRIVEN COORDINATION and MONITORING : (a) Centralised Dashboard using digital platforms to track cases, resource utilisation and outcomes in REAL TIME (b) Adaptive Planning, regularly review data to adjust strategies.

During Leptospirosis surges, we need integrated approach, by combining "Hospital-based, Community and Digital Health strategies" to decompress overwhelmed facilities and timely care to improve outcomes,

Dr Ramon Joel (Doc Mon) Seastres
Executive Director
Filipino-Australian Health Professionals Inc (FAHPI)