Monsoon updates

Reports are coming in from hospitals that are in need of food and water, including two of my alma maters.

UP Student Regent (@studentregentUP)
Posted at 8:14 PM August 7, 2012 on Twitter
“PGH staff, residents, nurses, patients need food and water. PGH is isolated by flood. Pls help if you can.”

Not sure how true this is because I literally live next door to the Philippine General Hospital and I see no flood from my side of the hospital, but a friend says that the hospital caf is indeed down to serving just crackers and they’ve had no water for 2 days.

UNO Magazine (@UNOmag)
Posted at 8:20 PM August 7, 2012 on Twitter
“RT @likhanews5: A shoutout from FB: UST Hospital & UERM Med Center staff & patients need food. Supply is very low. @interaksyon @News5AKSYON @RESCUE5PH”

*distressed*

Since I can’t directly extend a helping hand, I’m logging on to Multiply now to donate what’s left in my GCash wallet. I hope it gets to the people who need it.

See also: Quick ways to donate

Edit: PGH situation is better than originally reported, whew.

UP Manila (@UPManilaOnline)
Posted at 9:22 PM August 7, 2012 on Twitter
“Pls stop spreading false information. PGH is NOT isolated and not in need of a generator.”</

They still have no water though, and only one source of food. Food deliveries (for staff) can't get through because of the weather. Food for the patients is running quite low.

Leptospirosis prophylaxis in flooded Manila

It is sad that my first post on this blog is concerning a natural calamity, but at least it may be helpful.

Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal illness!

Remember: The most effective preventive measure for leptospirosis is avoidance of high-risk exposure (i.e. wading in floods and contaminated water, contact with animal’s body fluid). If high risk exposure is unavoidable, appropriate personal protective measures include wearing boots, goggles, overalls, and rubber gloves. If you did happen to wade in flood water (and you are unable to see a doctor)…

(click to enlarge)

CAVEAT! The use of chemoprophylaxis REQUIRES PRIOR CONSULT WITH A PHYSICIAN. It should not be taken unless prescribed and fully explained by a physician, including common side-effects and contraindications. SINCE ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS IS NOT 100% EFFECTIVE, INDIVIDUALS SHOULD CONTINUE TO MONITOR THEMSELVES FOR FEVER AND OTHER FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS and should continue to wear personal protective measures. For more details, you can check out the PSMID Clinical Practice Guidelines.

Situation Updates
MMDA lists flooded areas
Crowd-sourced photos of flooded areas

How you can help
List of evacuation centers, relief operations in Metro Manila
Quick ways to donate
Related: #HealthAlert: Map, track, and help stop diseases