NDRRMC: Leptospirosis cases rise to 231 in Northern Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The number of cases of leptospirosis in areas hit by tropical storm “Sendong” continues to rise even as disaster management officials and relief groups address the health needs of affected residents.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos said a total of 231 cases of leptospirosis have been admitted to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) in Cagayan de Oro.

The figure is higher than the 171 cases recorded on Jan. 3.

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, especially rats. It usually infects humans through wounds or broken skin that come in contact with contaminated floodwaters.

“A total of 231 cases of leptospirosis and 232 diarrhea cases have been admitted to NMMC, with five deaths reported due to complications of leptospirosis,” Ramos said in an update released yesterday.

Iligan City, meanwhile, is now included in the Code Red of the Department of Health following six reported deaths due to leptospirosis.

Dr. Anita Coloma, head of the government-owned Gregorio T. Lluch Memorial Hospital, said six deaths had been reported due to leptospirosis while 36 patients showing symptoms of the disease are currently confined in the hospital.

Ninety-nine percent of the leptospirosis cases involve patients who are not from evacuation centers and a majority of them are males.

Ramos said local health officials are continuously providing prophylaxis to residents to prevent the spread of diseases.

He said the health department augmented drugs, medicine, supplies and psychosocial services to storm victims.

Community health offices in Northern Mindanao have coordinated with local government units in the augmentation and distribution of medicine, cadaver bags and other supplies.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it has deployed health staff and mobilized additional volunteers and resources to help limit the outbreak.

PRC said it has sent antibiotics enough for 2,600 people to Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

“People need more space, and they need access to clean water and basic sanitation,” said Selva Sinnadurai, representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in the Philippines.

NDRRMC said a total of P122.3-million worth of relief assistance has been provided by state agencies and local governments.

More donations

Meanwhile, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) donated yesterday cash and relief goods to victims of Sendong in Mindanao and Dumaguete City.

“It is indeed saddening to know that there have been thousands of our brothers and sisters in Mindanao and Negros Island that were displaced, and lost their loved ones and properties when Sendong hit their areas badly. We are glad that many organizations have mobilized right away to send help the soonest time possible and we are continuing our efforts in this noble cause,” said NCRPO chief Director Alan Purisima.

Purisima personally turned over P399,561 cash and several big boxes containing assorted food like rice, canned goods and noodles; diapers, clothes and sleeping gear; toys and others to Director Marcelo Nicomedes Castillo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) National Capital Region (NCR). – With Lino de la Cruz, Non Alquitran, Jigger Jerusalem