BACOLOD CITY, Dec. 1 -- The City Health Office (CHO) here has distributed at least 21,800 antibiotic capsules since October as part of efforts to combat leptospirosis.

As of Monday, about 20,000 doxycycline and 1,800 azithromycin capsules were provided to various communities, city departments and offices, and other government agencies.

The citywide distribution of free doxycycline and azithromycin capsules was conducted before Typhoon Tino early this month and was expanded after the widespread exposure of Bacolodnons to massive floods brought by Tropical Depression Verbena on Nov. 25.

"I directed the CHO to sustain and broaden the prophylaxis initiative after Tropical Depression Verbena submerged 33 barangays," Mayor Greg Gasataya sai...