Bicol records 11 leptospirosis-related deaths

Bicol region map

LIGAO CITY — Health authorities have recorded 11 fatalities due to leptospirosis in Bicol region from January 1 to July 30.

Based on data released by Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit, three patients who died of the rodent-borne disease were from Albay province, two came from Camarines Norte, two from Catanduanes, one from Camarines Sur and theee from Sorsogon province.

There were also 85 cases of the disease covering the same period in the entire region.

Dr. Rosa Maria Rempillo, local health support division chief of DOH-CHD in Bicol, told Inquirer in a text message Tuesday, August 9, that there was a 3 percent decrease of leptospirosis incidence in Bicol this year compared in 2021. Some 88 cases were recorded last year.

“In order not to get infected with the deadly disease, avoid submerging in flood waters particularly if the person has an open wound,” Rempillo said.

Leptospirosis is a rare bacterial infection that is spread through the urine of animals, especially from dogs, rodents, and farm animals.

In most cases, leptospirosis is unpleasant but not life-threatening.

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