ILOILO – In 2023, this province reported a significant increase in leptospirosis cases, with 385 instances and 16 fatalities.
This marks a 141% rise from 2022, which saw 160 cases and 13 deaths, said Dr. Rodney Labis, chief of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Health Service Delivery Division.
The municipalities with the highest number of cases in 2023 were Cabatuan (57 cases, two deaths), Oton (28 cases, one death), Barotac Nuevo (22), Anilao (21), Santa Barbara (21 cases, one death), Banate (17 cases, one death), Pototan (17), Maasin (14 cases, one death), Miag-ao (13 cases, two deaths), and Janiuay (13).
Out of the 43 municipalities in the province, including Passi City, only three towns – Bingawan, San Rafael, and Sara – did not report any cases of leptospirosis.
According to Dr. Labis, the majority of the leptospirosis cases in 2023 were contracted through activities related to farming, particularly in rice fields.
Most patients were farmers who were exposed to contaminated water.
The IPHO has subsequently modified its prevention and control strategies for the disease.
Since last year, the IPHO has been coordinating with the Provincial Agriculture Office, local government units, and farmers’ associations to reach farmers for health promotion activities. These activities focused on educating farmers about how leptospirosis is contracted, its signs and symptoms for early detection, and measures to prevent the deadly disease.
The IPHO office has taken up the responsibility of providing technical assistance to local government units through Rural Health Units. They have supplied medicines and Education and Information Campaign materials for use in local campaigns against leptospirosis.
Furthermore, the IPHO is working with other government agencies to strengthen response activities. Dr. Labis emphasized that leptospirosis, a potentially fatal disease, is contracted from contaminated water and soil.
He advised against wading in floodwaters or dirty water and soil. If unavoidable, protective gear like boots and gloves should be used, and thorough washing should follow exposure.
Prophylaxis antibiotics are highly effective in preventing leptospirosis after potential exposure. Early diagnosis is crucial if symptoms are observed and there’s a history of exposure. Dr. Labis urges those affected to consult with Rural Health Units, hospitals, or private doctors for timely treatment to prevent fatalities.
Leptospirosis symptoms start similar to the flu, with fever, body aches, and headaches. If the case worsens and complications arise, yellowing of the eyes and skin and red urine can occur, indicating potential liver, kidney, and heart damage, leading to death.
Dr. Labis warns that unmanaged complications of leptospirosis are often the cause of death in patients./PN
