ILOILO – Leptospirosis cases in this province last year were 14 percent higher than the cases recorded in 2017, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
From January to December 22, 2018, PHO recorded 222 leptospirosis cases with 14 deaths.
In 2017, PHO recorded 194 cases with 10 deaths.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
The 10 municipalities with the most number of leptospirosis cases were the following:
* Oton – 36 cases with three deaths
* Cabatuan – 25 cases with one death
* Santa Barbara – 23 cases with two deaths
* Alimodian – 17 cases with two deaths
* Maasin – 14 cases
* Pototan – 12 cases
* Tigbauan – eight cases
* Lambunao – seven cases with one death
* Leon – seven cases
* New Lucena – six cases with one death
Leptospirosis-related deaths were also reported in Dumangas (two), Concepcion (one) and Balasan (one).
The leptospirosis bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
Nine municipalities, on the other hand, were leptospirosis-free for the entire 2018. These were Barotac Nuevo, Bingawan, Guimbal, San Dionisio, Ajuy, Estancia, San Joaquin, Batad, and San Rafael, and the component city of Passi.
According to Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, PHO chief, most of the leptospirosis cases were from northern towns with vast farmlands and sugarcane plantations, and many of the patients were farmers and sugarcane plantation workers.
The Department of Health listed the following leptospirosis prevention and control measures:
* Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or floodwater.
* Use of proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to contaminated water.
* Drain potentially contaminated water when possible.
* Control rats in the household by using rat traps or rat poison, maintaining cleanliness in the house./PN
