THREE persons in Bacolod City died due to suspected leptospirosis from January to August 4 this year, records of City Health Office (CHO) showed.
From January to August 4 this year, Bacolod has a total of 15 suspected cases compared to 10 cases last year, covering the same period, with three deaths, or with an increase of 50 percent, Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, said on Monday, August 13.
The first fatality was a 61-year-old man, who died in June, and another two men aged 27 and 28, who succumbed to the suspected leptospirosis, this month.
Tan said the 28-year-old man, a janitor, and resident of Barangay Granada reportedly waded in floodwaters before incurring the illness.
"Leptospirosis cannot be acquired only in wading contaminated floodwater, but also in the digestion of contaminated food or water so we should make sure to eliminate the presence of rats in our environment," she said.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can occur in human and animals.
High-risk factors for leptospirosis include close association with animals and the water and soil which is contaminated with rat urine.
The bacteria then infect humans when they evade through breaks in the skin or mucous membranes or when people ingest them.
The bacteria multiply in the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include severe and persistent headaches, muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, loss of appetite, sore throat, among others.
Tan said persons who have open wounds and waded through floods are at risks of being infected by leptospirosis.
She said they advised the personnel of City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), traffic aide, or rescuers to take a prophylaxis, a type of preventive antibiotic, and it is for free at the CHO and health centers in various barangays.
"Those who are frequently exposed in floodwaters should take a prophylaxis every week until you stopped exposing in floodwaters," she added.
CHO also urged the parents to disallow their children to swim in floodwaters, always clean the environment and wear protective footwear to prevent the disease.
