ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) cautioned the public, especially farmers, against leptospirosis following a spike in cases.
Thirty-two of the province’s 43 local government units (LGUs) logged cases of the bacterial disease.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease of humans and animals caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira. One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
From Jan. 1 to June 24 this year, the province had 107 leptospirosis cases with two deaths – 296 percent higher than the 27 cases recorded in the same period last year.
The towns with leptospirosis cases are Cabatuan (13), Barotac Nuevo (12), Pototan (11), Anilao (seven), Dingle (five), Oton (five), Santa Barbara (four), Dumangas (four), San Enrique (four), Mina (three), Badiangan (three with one death), Carles (three with one death), Maasin (three), Miag-ao (three), Janiuay (three), Leon (three), Balasan (two), Lemery (two), Alimodian (two), San Miguel (two), Dueñas, New Lucena, Tigbauan, Barotac Viejo, Banate, Calinog, Tubungan, Batad, Zarraga, Estancia, Concepcion, and Pavia (one each).
These towns recorded zero case: Ajuy, Bingawan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Lambunao, Leganes, Passi City, San Dionisio, San Joaquin, San Rafael, and Sara.
IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon told the public, especially those with open wounds, to be extra careful in – or avoid, if possible – wading in dirty waters.
The Leptospira bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or 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 rashes.
After wading in the fields or floodwaters, thoroughly wash with soap and clean water and go to the nearest Rural Health Unit to be given prophylaxis, said Quiñon.
“Indi na kita maghulat nga makabatyag sang signs and symptoms sang leptospirosis. Dapat magkadto na sa sentro kon naka-ubog sa tubig-baha or sa aton mga talamnanan,” reminded Quiñon./PN
