ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has reinforced its public advisory against leptospirosis, urging residents, particularly farmers and laborers, to avoid wading through floodwaters. This renewed caution follows continuous rains and rising cases across the province.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with urine from infected animals or urine-contaminated environments. It enters the body through skin cuts or mucous membranes in the eyes, nose, or mouth.
Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pains, chills, eye redness, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.
As of October 19, the province has recorded 123 leptospirosis cases, including three fatalities, across 40 of its 43 local government units (LGUs). This is a 60 percent drop from the 308 cases reported over the same period last year.
“There are now only three municipalities in the province — Batad, Bingawan, and San Rafael — that remain free from leptospirosis cases in 2024. We hope to keep these numbers from rising, as leptospirosis is preventable,” said IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon.
With the recent rains, flooding is unavoidable in certain areas. Dr. Quiñon advised residents to steer clear of floodwaters.
For individuals whose work, such as farming and construction, necessitates exposure, she recommended wearing protective boots and taking prophylactic medication, available for free at local Rural Health Units (RHUs).
In case of foot wounds exposed to floodwater, immediate treatment at RHUs is advised to prevent infection.
“Residents should take advantage of the free medication at our centers. There is no cost, and they simply need to visit their nearest RHU to avail of leptospirosis treatment,” Dr. Quiñon added.
The LGUs with the highest cases are as follows:
* Oton – 10
* Leon – nine (one death)
* Tigbauan – seven
* Alimodian – six
* Pavia – six
* Miag-ao – five
* San Miguel – five
* Santa Barbara – five
The 32 other municipalities with cases are Barotac Nuevo (four cases and one death), Calinog (four), Igbaras (four), Janiuay (four), Lambunao (four), Pototan (four), Barotac Viejo (three), Cabatuan (three with one death), Lemery (three), San Enrique (three), Sara (three), Ajuy (two), Badiangan (two), Concepcion (two), Dingle (two), Dumangas (two), Estancia (two), Guimbal (two), Maasin (two), New Lucena (two), Passi City (two), Anilao (one), Balasan (one), Banate (one), Carles (one), Dueñas (one), Leganes (one), Mina (one), San Dionisio (one), San Joaquin (one), Tubungan (one), and Zarraga (one)./PN