ILOILO – Fourteen municipalities in this province plus the component city of Passi have reported leptospirosis cases from January 1 to February 22.
Iloilo has 42 towns.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that spreads through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or contaminated environments. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The municipalities with reported cases are San Miguel (two), Dumangas (two), Pototan (two), Maasin (two), Badiangan (one), Oton (one), Pavia (one), Alimodian (one), Leganes (one), Janiuay (one), Leon (one), Batad (one), Estancia (one), and Lambunao (one).
Passi City reported one case, too.
So far, the province has 19 leptospirosis cases – a 24% decrease compared to the same period last year, which saw 25 cases and one death.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, eye redness, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
Twenty-eight municipalities have not recorded any leptospirosis cases so far. These are Tigbauan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Tubungan, San Joaquin, Miag-ao, Santa Barbara, New Lucena, Zarraga, Cabatuan, Bingawan, Calinog, Mina, Dingle, Dueñas, Barotac Nuevo, Banate, Anilao, San Enrique, Barotac Viejo, Ajuy, Sara, Concepcion, Lemery, Balasan, San Rafael, San Dionisio, and Carles.
Earlier this month, the Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to practice proper hygiene and take protective measures against so-called “W.I.L.D.” diseases — water- and food-borne diseases, influenza-like illnesses, leptospirosis, and dengue — as the country experiences heavy rainfall.
Leptospirosis cases have seen an 8% rise nationwide, with 422 cases reported this year, up from 392 cases in the same period last year.
The DOH urges the public to seek medical attention if exposed to floodwaters, even without visible wounds, as symptoms may develop between two weeks to 30 days after exposure.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized the importance of early medical consultation to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications if symptoms of “W.I.L.D.” diseases, such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues, appear./PN
