ILOILO – Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease. One becomes infected through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or with a urine-contaminated environment.
This province has so far recorded 12 cases of leptospirosis since the start of this year (Jan. 1 to April 3) and two of these cases died, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).
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.
IPHO data showed the following breakdown of leptospirosis cases:
* Maasin (two)
* Cabatuan, Passi City, Tubungan, Oton, Lambunao, Badiangan, Banate, and Pototan (one case each)
* Carles and San Miguel (one case each, both of which eventually died)
Last year from Jan. 1 to April 3, the IPHO recorded 17 cases but with no deaths.
Of particular concern to the IPHO are farmers whose job involves wading in watery rice fields this rainy season.
“Watch out for leptospirosis. Indi mag-ubog. Kon mag-ubog gid man, magpaligo kag manghabon maayo,” said Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares Quiñon, IPHO chief.
The leptospira bacteria enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose and eyes.
If wading in water could not be avoided, use protective gear such as boots, said Quiñon.
“Sa may history sang wading, magkadto lamang sa aton sentro kag magpangayo sang prophylaxis,” she added.
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
