BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Leptospirosis cases in Negros Occidental increased by 573 percent from January to August this year compared to the same period last year, with 74 cases and 12 deaths, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) data showed.
There were only two deaths and 11 cases last year, the PHO report stated.
In the first eight months last year, only nine local government units reported to have leptospirosis cases in their areas, but this year, cases were reported in 23 towns and cities already, the records revealed.
This year there were three leptospirosis deaths in Himamaylan, two each in Talisay and Kabankalan cities, and one each in Bago, Victorias, La Catellana, Pulupandan and Sipalay, the report showed.
Of the 74 cases of leptospirosis nine were in Murcia, six each in Bago and Talisay cities, five in E.B. Magalona, four each in Cadiz, Himamaylan, and Kabankalan, three each in Hinigaran, Don Salvador Benedicto and Victorias, two each in Hinobaan, Ilog, La Carlota, La Castellana, Manapla, Pontevedra, Pulupandan, Sipalay and San Carlos and one each in Isabela, San Enrique and Valladolid.
Provincial health officer Ernell Tumimbang said the rise in the number of leptospirosis cases in Negros Occidental could also indicate an increase in rodent (usually rats) population.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), leptospirosis is an infection commonly transmitted to humans from water that has been contaminated by animal urine (usually from rats), and comes in contact with lesion in the skin, eyes, or with the mucous membranes.
Its signs and symptoms include fever, chills, intense headache, and in extreme cases, complications like meningitis, renal failure, respiratory distress, may arise and lead to death, the DOH added.
The DOH has advised the public against wading in floodwaters to avoid leptospirosis. When walking in flooded streets, rubber boots should be worn instead, it said. (FREEMAN)