ILOILO – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) is reminding the public, especially farmers, to brace for common illnesses during the rainy season.
Leptospirosis, for one, must be watched out for during work on farms.
Cases in this province rose to 43 with three deaths recorded, according to the PHO.
This year’s cases (logged between Jan. 1 and May 1) were 153 percent higher than the 17 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. Humans become infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
The bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
Five local government units (LGUs) recorded the highest leptospirosis cases: Janiuay (six), Cabatuan (four), and Pototan, San Rafael and Lambunao (three each).
Alimodian, Tigbauan, New Lucena, Banate, Maasin, Dueñas, Passi City, and Mina logged two cases each.
The towns of Barotac Viejo, San Enrique, Calinog, Anilao, Dingle, and Badiangan had one “leptos” case each.
The remaining 24 municipalities listed no leptospirosis cases.
The province’s three deaths were traced to Janiuay, San Enrique and Barotac Viejo towns.
“Let us not allow more cases and more deaths to happen, especially that the rainy season is fast approaching,” stressed Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, acting PHO chief.
For someone who had a history of wading into the flood or for the farmers plowing the rice fields, the PHO is enjoining them to go to their Rural Health Units (RHU) for prophylaxis.
“The Iloilo PHO has augmented some stocks of antibiotics for prophylaxis. But of course, washing with soap and water is essential after wading,” Quiñon added.
If someone has wounds to the feet, the PHO discouraged wading in floodwaters or swamps.
If inevitable, “dapat magsuksok gid sang proteksyon kaangay sang botas.”
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, skin hemorrhages, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
The Department of Health listed the following leptospirosis prevention and control measures:
* Avoid swimming or wading in potentially contaminated water or floodwater.
* Use of proper protection like boots and gloves when work requires exposure to contaminated water.
* Drain potentially contaminated water when possible.
* Control rats in the household by using rat traps or rat poison, maintaining cleanliness in the house./PN
