Negros Occidental leptospirosis cases, deaths rise

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — The death toll due to leptospirosis in Negros Occidental has risen to 28, according to the provincial health office (PHO).

Murcia town recorded the highest number of deaths at five with 125 suspected cases from January to Sept. 16.

This city logged 15 deaths. Seventy cases were recorded, an increase of 191.7 percent compared to 24 cases and five deaths last year.

The Bacolod city health office said 70 percent of leptospirosis cases had been exposed to contaminated water. Complications and deaths were blamed on the delay in seeking medical care.

In the same period, the PHO said eight deaths out of 87 cholera cases were recorded in Negros Occidental.

Bacolod logged 206 cases, with zero deaths.