• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The City Health Office said Nov. 27 that it logged nine leptospirosis deaths in Bacolod, as of Nov. 22.
The two recent deaths included a 30-year-old from Barangay Mansilingan, who succumbed to Weils Disease, or a severe case of leptospirosis Nov. 25; and a 16-year-old from Barangay Sum-ag, who died Nov. 23.
The earlier seven deaths were from barangays Granada, Taculing, Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, and Pahanocoy.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environmental Sanitation Division, said 50 leptospirosis cases were reported from Jan. 1 to Nov. 22.
The city government said leptospirosis is a serious infection that can go unnoticed until it’s too late.
The Bacolod CHO is stepping-up preventive measures to help protect communities, like provision of free prophylaxis for high-risk individuals, onsite consultations, public health education, and continuous monitoring of water safety in evacuation centers, it said in a statement.
“But prevention begins with us. If you’ve waded through floodwater or feel symptoms, like fever, muscle pain, or dark urine, don’t ignore it — seek medical attention right away,” the city said.
It urged concerned residents to visit the nearest barangay health center, ask for free leptospirosis prophylaxis, and to stay informed, alert, and protected.
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod also earlier urged the CHO to immediately implement preventive measures against leptospirosis, following a rise in cases.
These measures include the immediate disinfection of areas affected by flooding, with focus on known flood-prone places where water stagnation occurs; provision of protective gear and sanitation supplies to barangays for use in the cleaning and disinfection; and conduct of a city-wide campaign to educate residents on the risks of leptospirosis, particularly following flooding events, among others.
The city government has the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of its residents, and the CHO plays a pivotal role in developing and initiating effective health measures to protect the community from this public health threat, the SP stressed. | CGC
