- CHERYL G. CRUZ
A 79-year-old male from Barangay Granada, Bacolod City died of leptospirosis Aug. 5, bringing to seven the number of fatalities since the start of this year, the City Health Office said Monday.
The first six deaths were logged in barangays Taculing, Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, and Pahanocoy.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, said Monday that the latest victim showed the onset of illness on July 25, was admitted to a hospital Aug. 1, and died four days later.
Tan said total leptospirosis cases stood at 55, including the seven deaths, which logged a 205.6 percent increase compared to the same period last year at 18 cases with four deaths.
Most common reason for complications and death was due to delayed consultation and treatment, the CHO said.
There was no clustering of cases in any of the city’s barangays, from July 15 to Aug. 5, although Tan reiterated the importance of sanitation and proper disposal of garbage to avoid rat infestation.
Those who waded in floodwater or had contact with water or soil possibly contaminated with animal urine must go to the nearest health center or doctor for prophylaxis, the CHO added./CGC
