SAN JOSE, Antique – The integrated provincial health office (IPHO) here urged residents to remain vigilant against dengue and leptospirosis as these diseases recently recorded three deaths in the province.
Mark Rojas, nurse assigned with the IPHO, said on Thursday that leptospirosis claimed two lives on Sept. 24 and Oct. 3.
“Both had history of wading in contaminated water,” he added, saying that 13 others were recorded to have developed the same bacterial infection.
Last year, he said the province recorded nine cases with no deaths.
“The people could also ask for the prophylaxis at the rural health units if they have the intention to wade in the water,” Rojas said.
Farmers were also advised to wear boots and not wade in water contaminated by urine of rodents especially if they have open wounds.
Early signs and symptoms of leptospirosis include headache, muscle pain and fever. If not treated immediately, the affected person could experience bleeding from the lungs or meningitis and other severe health conditions.
Meanwhile, dengue claimed another life in the province based on the 40th Morbidity Week or from Sept. 29 to Oct. 5 surveillance report.
Rojas said since last Aug. 21, they have not monitored dengue fatality. But on Oct. 2, a three-year-old boy from Barangay Villaflor, Tobias Fornier reportedly died from the mosquito-borne illness.
The latest fatality brought to 11 the total deaths due to dengue in the province this year.
Rojas said the 57 new cases that were monitored during the 40th Morbidity Week were from Culasi with 24; Hamtic, seven; Tibiao, six; Barbaza, five; San Remigio, four; Sibalom, three; two each from San Jose de Buenavista and Libertad and one each from Anini-y, Patnongon, Sebaste, and Tobias Fornier.(With a report from PNA/PN)
