ILOILO City – Leptospirosis has claimed 11 lives in Western Visayas as of July 6, data from the Department of Health (DOH) showed.
The 11 were part of the 98 cases of leptospirosis recorded since Jan. 1 this year, said Dr. Glen Alonsabe, DOH Region 6 epidemiologist.
In the same period last year, DOH-6 recorded 248 cases with 35 deaths.
Leptospirosis is caused by the leptospira bacteria that enter the body through wounds which come in contact with floodwater, vegetation and moist soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially rats.
Thus, according to Alonsabe, it would be wise to include leptospirosis in the ongoing cleanup drive against dengue targeting stagnant water where dengue mosquitoes breed.
“Dal-on na lang sa aton cleanup drive ang pag-drain sang mga stagnant water and clogged waterways,” Alonsabe said.
He advised particularly farmers to take chemoprophylaxis as preventive measure against leptospirosis and wear protective foot gear when working in the field.
Rural health centers provide chemoprophylaxis for free, said Alonsabe.
Leptospirosis cases usually surge during the start of the farming season, he said.
“Kon indi malikawan, hugasan gid sang maayo ang tiil pagkatapos lusong sa tubig,” he stressed.
According to the World Health Organization, the leptospira bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes. Person-to-person transmission is rare.
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./PN
