BACOLOD City – This city has recorded its first leptospirosis death this year.
According to the City Health Office (CHO), the 52-year-old male was a resident of Barangay Villamonte here.
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the CHO’s Environmental Sanitation Division, said the victim was frequently cleaning drainage that resulted to undocumented fever.
He later went to a hospital for a checkup and was referred for admission on January 25 due to difficulty of breathing. The next day, January 26, he died, the CHO said.
From February 2 to 8, the CHO logged a total of four leptospirosis cases and one death.
The CHO earlier reported that delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection are the most common reasons for complications and death.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira that affects humans and animals.
The most common causes are splashing contaminated water or urine into the eyes; swallowing contaminated water or flooding; and exposing open wounds to contaminated water or soil.
The CHO encouraged anyone anew to take leptospirosis prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure, wading, or contact with possibly contaminated water, ground, or food or consult immediately the nearest health center or private physician for prescription.
In 2024, this city recorded 34 cases, including nine probable deaths, from January 1 to December 31. The figure is 63 percent lower than the 92 cases, with 16 deaths, in 2023./PN
