ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging the public to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings to prevent attracting leptospirosis-infected animals, specifically rodents.
As of Aug. 19, the province had 142 cases with six deaths — 223 percent higher than last year’s 44 cases with zero deaths.
The most recent casualty was from Barotac Viejo town.
“May nadugang kita isa ka patay, isa ka tricycle driver, but wala pa naton na-ascertain kon may exposure or nag-wade sia sa flood waters,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head.
The five other casualties were:
* 20-year-old male from Cabatuan, died on June 19
* 39-year-old male from Leon, died on June 15
* 51-year-old male from Balasan, died on June 4
* 35-year-old male from Badiangan, died on Feb. 28
* 39-year-old male from Carles, died on Feb. 20
Leptospirosis is highly preventable. Those with a history of exposure to dirty water may visit their rural health units to take prophylaxis.
Wearing boots for protection is encouraged.
“Ang panglimypu sang ugsaran importante kay kon diin to gani damo sang pagkaon ukon higku dira man nagalapta ang ilaga. That is why sige aton program nga Limypo Iloilo together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources to combat leptospirosis,” Quiñon added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
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.
One should immediately take prophylaxis for 24 to 48 hours and seek immediate medical attention should they experience these symptoms.
The municipalities with high cases so far this year are Cabatuan (22 cases with one death), Barotac Nuevo (13), Pototan (11), Anilao (seven), Oton (seven), Leon (six cases with one death), Alimodian (six), Dingle (five), Santa Barbara (five), and Dumangas (five).
Other towns with recorded cases of leptospirosis are: San Enrique (four), Maasin (four), Janiuay (four), Mina (three), Badiangan (three cases with one death), Carles (three cases with one death), Miag-ao (three), Balasan (three cases with one death), San Miguel (three), Igbaras (three), Tubungan (three), Lemery (two), Dueñas (two), Tigbauan (two), Barotac Viejo (two cases with one death), New Lucena (one), Banate (one), Calinog (one), Batad (one), Zarraga (one), Estancia (one), Concepcion (one), Pavia (one), San Joaquin (one), San Dionisio (one), and Guimbal (one).
Seven towns have zero cases: Ajuy, Bingawan, Lambunao, Leganes, Passi City, San Rafael, and Sara./PN
