ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has confirmed leptospirosis cases in 39 of the 42 towns in the province, and the component city of Passi.
From January 1 to August 24, the province recorded a total of 93 cases and three fatalities, marking a significant decline of 47 percent compared to the 176 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that spreads through direct contact with urine from infected animals or environments contaminated with urine. It can enter the body via cuts on the skin or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pains, chills, eye redness, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Leon and Oton lead the list of affected areas with seven cases each, one resulting in death in Leon. Tigbauan follows with five cases.
Four towns — Barotac Nuevo, Calinog, Igbaras, and Lambunao — have reported four cases each, with one death occurring in Barotac Nuevo.
Pavia, Santa Barbara, and Alimodian have each documented four and three cases, respectively.
The remaining 29 towns have reported fewer cases: Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan, Miag-ao, and Pototan with three cases each, the latter including one death.
Towns like Ajuy, Dingle, Dumangas, Estancia, Janiuay, Lemery, Maasin, New Lucena, San Enrique, San Miguel, and Anilao have each reported two cases.
Meanwhile, Badiangan, Balasan, Banate, Concepcion, Dueñas, Guimbal, Leganes, Mina, Passi City, San Dionisio, San Joaquin, Sara, Tubungan, and Zarraga have reported one case each.
Notably, Batad, Bingawan, Carles, and San Rafael have not recorded any cases of leptospirosis this year.
In response to the ongoing threat and recent heavy rains brought by Typhoon Enteng, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a public health advisory this Monday, urging the public to exercise caution against leptospirosis, particularly during flooding.
The DOH recommends washing thoroughly with soap and water after exposure to floodwaters and offers antibiotic prophylaxis at Rural Health Units (RHUs), which also provide free consultations.
The rise in leptospirosis cases in Metro Manila due to flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and Typhoon Carina has prompted the DOH to place all its units nationwide on a “Code White Alert.” This alert ensures that medical personnel in hospitals and health offices are ready to respond to health emergencies.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. also issued a reminder to the residents of Iloilo province, advising against wading in floodwaters whenever possible and seeking immediate medical attention at RHUs if symptoms of leptospirosis appear, especially for those with open wounds./PN
