SAN JOSE, Antique – The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here warned the public of the risk of acquiring leptospirosis this rainy season.
IPHO coordinator on leptospirosis Gerald Tung said Thursday that there were no fatalities recorded this year.
However, farmers are still warned from wading in rice fields without wearing protective gear such as boots, he added. Students were also urged to avoid playing in contaminated waters and dirty canals after school.
Meanwhile, those who already waded in floodwaters should
get medical attention as early as possible, Tung said.
IPHO said that leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira
spirochetes bacteria, which is spread through the urine of infected animals,
especially rodents like rats.
“Some of the early signs and symptoms of leptospirosis are headaches, muscle pain, and fever,” he said, adding it could cause kidney failure and bleeding.
According to IPHO’s data, there were 10 cases of leptospirosis with no deaths reported from Jan. 1 to Aug. 22 this year.
The infections were recorded in the towns of Sibalom with three cases; Tibiao, San Jose de Buenavista, Belison, Barbaza, Hamtic, Tobias Fornier, and San Remigio with one each.
Last year, there were 61 cases with 11 deaths in the province due to leptospirosis.
Tung said that as preparation, the IPHO and local government units already purchased prophylaxis Doxycycline to be given to those who will seek consultation at the Rural Health Units of the 18 municipalities in the province. (With a report from PNA/PN)
