MANILA – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to ensure sufficient supplies of medicines for leptospirosis are available in farming communities following reports of increasing cases of the disease among farmers.

Pangilinan said farmers are among those most at risk of contracting leptospirosis during the rainy season because they regularly work in flooded rice fields and other waterlogged agricultural areas, where they may be exposed to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

“Bilang ating mga frontliners na sumisigurong mayroon tayong pagkain araw-araw, hindi naman siguro tama na nasa bingit pa sila ng kamatayan o sinasakripisyo ang kanilang kalusugan para lang makapag trabaho,” the senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, said.

The lawmaker urged the DOH, in coordination with local government units, to maintain adequate stocks of leptospirosis medicines in rural health units, particularly in flood-prone agricultural communities.

He also called for stronger public health information campaigns to raise awareness among farmers and rural residents about disease prevention, early symptoms, and the need to seek immediate medical attention after possible exposure.

“Uulitin ko: ang pangangalaga sa ating mga magsasaka ay pangangalaga rin sa ating food producers. Kailangan nila ng proteksyon laban sa sakit, lalong-lalo na tuwing tag-ulan at nagkakaroon ng panganib sa kanilang kalusugan,” Pangilinan added.

According to the DOH, leptospirosis cases recorded from Jan. 4 to June 6 increased by 6% compared with the same period the previous year. The agency said most of the reported cases involve farmers due to their prolonged exposure to mud and potentially contaminated water.

The DOH said leptospirosis symptoms may range from mild flu-like illness to severe organ failure, adding that early treatment is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.