CAPIZ – Thirty-one cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in this province since January this year, according to the Provincial Health Office (PHO).
This is 82.35 percent higher than the 17 cases recorded last year from January to July.
The disease claimed five lives, PHO data as of July 15 also showed.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
Bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin or the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
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 rashes.
One should immediately take prophylaxis for a period of 24 to 48 hours and seek immediate medical attention should they experience these symptoms./PN
