Leptospirosis cases up in W. Visayas

ILOILO CITY—Cases of leptospirosis infection have risen significantly in Western Visayas this year prompting health officials to heighten their campaign against the disease.

The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Western Visayas reported 319 leptospirosis cases in the region from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13 this year.

This is 349 percent higher than the 71 cases monitored during the same period last year. Most of the victims (92 percent) were male.

Leptospirosis is a disease transmitted to humans through water contaminated with urine animals like rats, swine and carabaos.

Humans can be infected through open wounds or skin lesions or through the eyes. Its symptoms include fever, chills, intense headache and could lead to complications like meningitis, renal failure, respiratory distress, which may lead to death.

Iloilo province including Iloilo City accounted for more than half of the cases with 175 followed by Negros Occidental including Bacolod City with 85, Capiz (17), Antique (9) and Guimaras (4).

The DOH-CHD reported 29 deaths during the surveillance period this year, higher than the eight fatalities for the same period last year.

The increase in leptospirosis cases was monitored amid an increase of rice infestation of farm lands especially in Iloilo.

Health officials have advised against wading in floodwater especially those with open wounds. Farmers have also been advised to wear boots and other protective gear to avoid infection.

Regional epidemiologist Dr. Jessie Glen Alonsabe said the increase in the number of cases could be attributed to the rat infestation and farming activities because of the favorable weather for agriculture./INQUIRER