WHO helping out with disease control in the Philippines

The outbreak of leptospirosis continues to claim victims long after the typhoons have gone. The article does not explain why the flooded areas remain flooded. Perhaps it is because of high water levels in local bodies of water, for otherwise one would think that the area could be pumped dry. It would seem that people should not be allowed to live in some flood prone areas but land is scarce in the metropolitan Manila area and people live wherever they can often in crowded unhealthy conditions.

WHO experts helping Philippines contain deadly disease: UN
(AFP) - 1 day ago

MANILA - UN health experts began field investigations on Wednesday to help the Philippines contain an outbreak of a deadly disease in the wake of massive storms that claimed more than 1,000 lives, officials said.

The World Health Organisation's four-member team will work with and advise local officials on combating leptospirosis, an infection caused by exposure to water contaminated with rat and other animal urine, the agency said.....

"Parts of Manila and outlying areas remain flooded with stagnant water more than one month after tropical storm Ketsana dumped a record amount of rain on the nation's capital.

....The number of people who died as a direct result of both storms is 929, but a further 167 people have since died in and around Manila from leptospirosis, according to the government.

......

Officials have said the flood waters for more than a million residents on the outskirts of Manila may remain well into the new year.

..."The Philippine government has responded commendably to this disaster," said WHO regional director Shin Young-Soo, who is based in Manila.

"....