53 cases of leptospirosis logged in Eastern Visayas from January 1 to May 29

FILE PHOTO: Sign in a hospital for patients with leptospirosis. INQUIRER FILES

TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas has reported 53 cases of leptospirosis from January 1 to May 29.

Of these 53 individuals, eight died, according to Jelyn Malibago, the regional information officer of the DOH, on Wednesday (June 1).

“We expect more cases of leptospirosis as the rainy season begins,” she said.

The health official urged the public not to wade in flooded areas for them to avoid getting the bacteria caused mainly from the urine of animals like rodents.

If one is to wade in flood water, Malibago said  he or she should wear boots and gloves; drain potentially contaminated water; control rodents in the house by using traps or poison; and maintain cleanliness.

Of the 53 cases, 22 were from Leyte; 10 from Samar; seven each from Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar; Samar; seven from Southern Leyte; five from Northern Samar; and two from Biliran.

The three deaths due to leptospirosis in Leyte were from Tacloban City, Abuyog, and Hilongos; two deaths from the towns of Padre Burgos and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte; two deaths from Basey and Catbalogan City in Samar; and one death from Maydolong town in Eastern Samar.

Among the symptoms of those who were infected with leptospirosis include high fever, headache, muscle and abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Leptospirosis enter the human body through cuts in the skin or through membranes of the eyes, nose, and mouth.

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