SAN Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said that he is backing the call of the Health Department for the local government to impose a ban on swimming in floodwaters.

In a statement released on his social media account, Zamora said that he sees the merit in imposing such a scheme.

Likewise, Zamora said that he will introduce to the Metro Manila Council a resolution that will urge the local government units (LGUs) to ban residents from swimming in flood waters and impose sanctions on violators.

He said that such a move will help curb the rising cases of leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila, after which was due to the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and Southwest Monsoon. 

“Each respective LGUs will have the authority to impose fines or any penalties they deem appropriate, at their own discretion for violators of this prohibition,” Zamora, who also heads the MMC, said in a statement.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa also said that he will recommend to the local chief executives to prohibit people, particularly children, from swimming in flood waters due to the risk of getting leptospirosis. 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted by animals such as rodents. Urine from infected rats could mix with flood water during heavy rains, and could therefore enter the body of people wading through floods.

According to the DOH data, some 255 new cases of leptospirosis were recorded from July 21 to August 3. 

The latest record is 17% higher than the 217 cases recorded from July 7-20, DOH said.

“In San Juan, I will be recommending and certifying as urgent the enactment of this prohibition on swimming in floodwaters. Our goal is to promptly and effectively protect the health of our residents by implementing stringent measures to prevent further spread of this disease,” Zamora said.

“For minors who violate the proposed ordinances, the respective LGUs will be authorized to hold the parents or guardians principally and solidarily liable for corresponding penalties,” he added.