ILOILO City — Leptospirosis remains the deadliest notifiable disease in Capiz this year, with 12 fatalities reported as of November 15, according to the Provincial Weekly Notifiable Diseases Case Bulletin for Morbidity Week 46.
Although no new leptospirosis cases or deaths were recorded this week, the disease has accumulated 75 cases in total, underscoring the dangers of floodwater exposure during the ongoing rainy season. Health authorities warned that the numbers serve as a stark reminder of the risks residents face.
Other monitored illnesses showed far lower mortality: COVID-19 accounted for one death among 44 cases, rabies caused two deaths from two cases, and bacterial meningitis claimed one life out of 50 infections. Diseases such as dengue, with 1,517 cases, and hand-foot-and-mouth disease, with 982 cases, reported no deaths during the same period.
Capiz health officials are advising residents to avoid wading through floodwaters, wear protective boots when necessary, and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms like sudden fever, muscle pain, or jaundice appear. Local governments have been urged to intensify clean-up drives, rodent control, and community advisories to minimize leptospirosis risks.
The bulletin consolidates data from health facilities across Capiz and serves as the province’s weekly reference for tracking emerging and persistent public health threats./PN
