Leptospirosis cases in Central Luzon rising

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified the information campaign on leptospirosis after 255 cases of the disease were recorded in Central Luzon from Jan. to Aug. 30 this year.

Dr. Leonita Gorgolon said the figure was 70 percent higher compared to the same period recorded last year.

The DOH yesterday distributed Doxycyline antibiotics in health centers and other areas affected by flooding, particularly in the fourth and second districts of Pampanga.

“This is our response to the increasing number of leptospirosis cases in the region,” Gorgolon said.

Dr. Ariel Maltu of Jose B. Lingad Regional Hospital said majority of leptospirosis patients were hospitalized 10 to 15 days after contracting the diseases.

Maltu said leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by a strain of Leptospira. It is transmitted from animals to humans when people with open wound come into contact with floodwater that has been contaminated with animal urine, particularly rats.

Symptoms of the disease are fever, headache, chills, muscle pains and diarrhea.

Health experts said one can also acquire the disease through ingestion of food contaminated with urine of infected animals.