• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
An outbreak of leptospirosis has been reported in the fifth district of Negros Occidental after the flashfloods earlier this month due to Typhoon Tino, Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo III said yesterday.
The fifth district includes the towns of Moises Padilla, La Castellana, Hinigaran, Isabela, Binalbagan, and Himamaylan City.
Yulo did not provide additional details, but advised those who experienced flooding to immediately seek medical help, if they have shown symptoms.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine, often presents with early symptoms, including high fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, and jaundice.
In Bacolod City, the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) recorded a significant increase in leptospirosis admissions, with more severe and moderate cases coming from southern Negros.
At present, nine patients are confined at the CLMMRH, from a typical monthly zero to two admissions.
CLMMRH records showed that it treated 26 cases of leptospirosis from Nov. 1 to 22.
To address the surge, CLMMRH will prioritize severe cases and establish dedicated wards for adult and pediatric patients, ensuring safe and timely care.
It also instructed referring facilities to coordinate with the hospital’s Operations Center and follow proper transfer protocols.
For the month of October, CLMMRH also recorded treatment of 26 cases of leptospirosis. | GB
