BACOLOD City – The number of leptospirosis-related deaths in the city continues to rise, with the City Health Office (CHO) recording another fatality last week.
This brings the total number of leptospirosis deaths in the city to six from January 1 to June 14 this year.
The most recent case involved a 20-year-old male resident of Barangay Sum-ag. According to CHO data, the patient had a history of wading and bathing in a river prior to falling ill.
Dr. Grace Tan, chief of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, said the patient experienced fever, joint pain, vomiting, and nausea six days before admission. He initially self-medicated with paracetamol and sought medical consultation, during which he was advised to stay hydrated. It was noted that he had swum in the river less than a week before the onset of symptoms.
Although his symptoms temporarily improved, the patient later developed persistent headaches and intermittent fever. Two days before hospital admission, he began experiencing diarrhea and vomiting.
On June 8, the patient sought further medical help and was referred for hospital admission. But he passed away the following day, June 9.
Of the six leptospirosis deaths recorded this year, three occurred in June alone. As of June 14, Bacolod has documented a total of 12 leptospirosis cases — a 50 percent increase from the same period last year, which recorded eight cases and two deaths.
Tan emphasized that delayed medical attention has been a common factor in many of the fatalities. She urged residents to seek immediate medical care if they have been exposed to potentially contaminated floodwaters, sewers, or stagnant water.
“Basta naka-ubog o naka-contact sa tubig baha, imburnal, basura, o kalog, magpa-health center guid para matagaan sang prophylaxis. Don’t wait nga maglain pa ang pamatsyag,” Tan advised.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira species. It spreads through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents, and can be fatal if not treated promptly./PN
