BACOLOD City – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) in Negros Occidental recorded a slight increase in cases of leptospirosis this year.
So far, there have been 93 suspected cases – 3.3 percent higher than that in the same period last year, according to PHO officer-in-charge Dr. Girlie Pinongan.
However, Pinongan pointed out that these were only suspected cases, though the patients exhibited symptoms of leptospirosis and had a history of wading in floodwaters.
According to the Centers for Disease Control in the United States, the bacteria that cause leptospirosis are spread through the urine of infected animals.
Humans can become infected if they come into contact with water, soil, or even food contaminated by leptospirosis bacteria.
The symptoms are a high fever, headaches, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rashes.
The time between exposure to a contaminated source and becoming sick is two days to four weeks.
If left untreated, leptospirosis can be fatal.
Pinongan is urging Negrenses to immediately seek medical attention if they start feeling symptoms and if they have a history of wading in floodwaters.
She also advised the public always to keep their surroundings clean. (Watchmen Daily Journal)
