ILOILO – A concerning number of towns in this province recorded cases and deaths due to leptospirosis.
Based on the data by the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO), from January 1 to September 3, 2022, there were a total of 45 cases with five deaths reported from 23 towns and one component city, which is 73 percent higher compared to last year with only 26 cases.
The following are the 23 towns and city with their respective leptospirosis cases: Oton (five), Maasin (four), Passi City (three), Cabatuan (three), Banate (two cases with one death), Zarraga (two), San Miguel (two cases with one death), Pototan (two), Badiangan (two), Alimodian (two), Lambunao (one death), Carles (one death), Concepcion (one death), and one case each for the towns of Balasan, Barotac Viejo, Calinog, Dumangas, Guimbal, Igbaras, Lemery, Leon, Mina, New Lucena, San Joaquin, San Rafael, Sara, and Tigbauan.
As a result, IPHO chief Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon warns the public, particularly farmers, to avoid getting into floodwaters, especially if they have open wounds. If one can’t avoid it, make sure to wash with soap and clean water afterwards.
She added that a person who has been immersed in unclean or contaminated water should immediately go to the Rural Health Unit (RHU) for a prophylaxis medication.
“Malikawan naton ang leptospirosis kon indi kita mag-wade sa tubig-baha,” said Quiñon.
The remaining 15 towns without recorded leptospirosis cases are the following: Ajuy, Anilao, Barotac Nuevo, Batad, Bingawan, Dingle, Dueñas, Estancia, Janiuay, Leganes, Miag-ao, Pavia, San Dionisio, San Enrique, and Santa Barbara.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease spread through direct contact with animal urine or a urine-contaminated environment.
One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment. The bacteria enters 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./PN
