ILOILO – Cases of leptospirosis in this province in 2021 were 240 percent higher than those recorded in 2020, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
From Jan. 1, 2021 to Dec. 31, 2021 153 cases with 15 deaths were recorded. In the same period in 2020, the province recorded only 45 cases.
How can leptospirosis be avoided?
Do not wade in floodwaters, said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, provincial health officer.
Of particular concern to the PHO are people working in farms, according to Quiñon.
If wading could not be avoided, they should wear feet protective gear, she said.
Quiñon also stressed the importance of washing oneself with soap and clean water after contact with floodwater.
PHO data showed the following towns having the most number of leptospirosis cases among 42 Iloilo municipalities and one component city:
* Miag-ao (32)
* Oton (14 cases with two deaths)
* Janiuay (11 cases with two deaths)
* Passi City (seven cases with one death)
* Lambunao (six cases with two deaths)
* Cabatuan (six cases)
* Alimodian (six cases)
* New Lucena (six cases)
* Banate (six cases with one death),
* Tigbauan (six cases with one death)
“Sa may history sang wading, magkadto lang sa aton sentro kag magpangayo sang prophylaxis,” said Quiñon.
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.
The Department of Health listed the following leptospirosis prevention and control measures:
* Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or floodwater.
* Use of proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to contaminated water.
* Drain potentially contaminated water when possible.
* Control rats in the household by using rat traps or rat poison, maintaining cleanliness in the house.
Here are the other leptospirosis cases in Iloilo province: San Joaquin (five cases), Guimbal (four cases with two deaths), Pototan (three cases), Santa Barbara (three cases), Maasin (three cases with one death), Barotac Viejo (three cases with one death), Zarraga (three cases), Barotac Nuevo (three cases), Dingle (three cases), Mina (three cases), Leon (three cases), Dueas (two cases), San Enrique (two cases with one death), Anilao (two cases), Dumangas (two cases), Badiangan (two cases) Calinog (one case), Concepcion (one case), and Lemery (one case).
Meanwhile, 13 tows recorded no leptospirosis cases – Balasan, Carles, Tubungan, Estancia, Igbaras, San Miguel, Sara, Leganes, Pavia, Bingawan, San Dionisio, Ajuy, and Batad./PN
