MANILA, Philippines — Cases of leptospirosis and related deaths have increased in Western Visayas this year, according to the Department of Health (DOH) regional office.
The DOH said 596 cases were recorded from January to Dec. 3 compared to 343 during the same period last year.
Leptospirosis-related deaths increased from 43 last year to 81 this year.
Negros Occidental logged the highest number of cases at 225 followed by Iloilo, 141; Antique, 101; Capiz, 38; Guimaras, 26; Aklan, 15, and Iloilo City, nine.
Negros Occidental also recorded the highest number of deaths at 34; Iloilo, 13; Antique, 12; Aklan, seven; Capiz, three; Guimaras, two, and Iloilo City, one.
Cases of leptospirosis also increased in Bacolod City from 25 last year to 41 this year. Nine deaths were recorded this year compared to six last year.
Leptospirosis, which is a bacterial disease that affects humans and animals, can enter the body through the skin, eyes, nose and mouth, especially if the skin is broken due to a cut or scratch.
The DOH said outbreaks of leptospirosis are usually caused by exposure to contaminated water such as floodwater.