ILOILO – This province has reported 16 confirmed cases of leptospirosis, with no deaths recorded from Jan. 1 to Feb. 3 this year.
The cases were distributed among the following 11 towns: Calinog (three), Igbaras (two), Leon (two), San Miguel (two), Barotac Viejo (one), Guimbal (one), Oton (one), Pavia (one), San Enrique (one), Maasin (one), and Santa Barbara (one).
This current count is 68 percent lower than the 60 cases recorded during the same period last year, data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) showed.
In 2023, the province witnessed a significant surge in leptospirosis cases, totaling 385 with 16 fatalities. This marked a 141 percent increase from 2022, which saw 160 cases and 13 deaths.
The majority of patients were farmers exposed to contaminated water, according to the IPHO.
Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the IPHO Health Service Delivery Division, said that since last year, the IPHO has coordinated with the Provincial Agriculture Office, local government units, and farmers’ associations to conduct health promotion activities for farmers. These initiatives aimed to educate them on how leptospirosis is transmitted, its signs and symptoms for early detection, and preventive measures against the disease.
Furthermore, the IPHO has offered technical assistance to local government units through Rural Health Units (RHUs), providing medicines and materials for education and information campaigns to combat leptospirosis.
Dr. Labis said leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease, is contracted through exposure to contaminated water and soil. He advised against wading in floodwaters or dirty environments.
If exposure is unavoidable, protective gear such as boots and gloves should be used, followed by thorough cleaning.
Prophylaxis antibiotics have proven highly effective in preventing leptospirosis following potential exposure.
Early diagnosis is critical for individuals who exhibit symptoms and have a history of exposure.
Dr. Labis urges those affected to seek consultation with RHUs, hospitals, or private doctors promptly to prevent fatalities.
Symptoms of leptospirosis resemble those of the flu, including fever, body aches, and headaches. If the condition worsens and complications develop, symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes and skin and red urine may indicate potential damage to the liver, kidneys, and heart, leading to death.
Dr. Labis warns that unmanaged complications of leptospirosis often result in patient deaths./PN
