ILOILO – Leptospirosis cases so far recorded here this year were already 129-percent higher than last year’s.
Between Jan. 1 and Oct. 9, Iloilo recorded 64 cases, including five deaths. In the same period last year, the province had only 28 cases, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.
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.
Ten local government units (LGUs) logged the highest cases: Janiuay – seven (with one death), Cabatuan – six, Lambunao – five (one death), Passi City – five, Pototan – three, Banate – three, Tigbauan – three, New Lucena – three, San Joaquin – three (one death), and Oton – three.
The two other leptospirosis fatalities were from Barotac Viejo and San Enrique towns.
Meanwhile, these LGUs had zero cases: Balasan, Carles, Tubungan, Miag-ao, Guimbal, Estancia, Igbaras, Zarraga, San Miguel, Sara, Leganes, Pavia, Lemery, Barotac Nuevo, Bingawan, San Dionisio, Ajuy, and Batad.
According to Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of PHO, the rise in leptospirosis cases this year may be due to heavy rains that farmers cannot avoid wading into the floodwaters.
“Ang ‘leptos’ endemic kita, meaning ara lang sa aton palibot,” said Quiñon. “Damo na ang nagamasakit kay sa pag-ubog ina sa mga tubig-baha ukon sa talamnan.”
Those with histories of wading into the flood were being enjoined 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.”
One becomes 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.
In the early stages of the disease, symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, chills, redness of the eyes, abdominal pain, jaundice, hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, 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
