• CHERYL G. CRUZ
There is an 86.7 percent increase in leptospirosis cases in Bacolod in the first 11 months of this year, compared to the same period last year, the City Health Office (CHO) said Dec. 10.
The CHO said it logged 56 cases with 10 deaths, from Jan. 1 to Nov. 29 this year, from 30 cases with eight deaths in 2024.
The 10th fatality was a 15-year-old male from Purok Brotherhood, Barangay Sum-ag, who succumbed to Weils Disease, or a severe case of leptospirosis, Nov. 26, a day after he was admitted for abdominal pain and vomiting.
The patient had history of wading in floodwater, and was given prophylaxis from a private clinic, the CHO said.
This is the second fatality logged in the barangay, after a 16-year-old died Nov. 23.
The other eight fatalities came from barangays Mansilingan, Granada, Taculing, Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, and Pahanocoy.
The city earlier said the CHO has been intensifying the implementation of preventive measures to help protect communities from leptospirosis, like providing free prophylaxis for high-risk individuals, onsite consultations, public health education, and continuous monitoring of water safety in evacuation centers.
“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 had said, adding that concerned residents should visit the nearest barangay health center, ask for free leptospirosis prophylaxis, and to stay informed, alert, and protected. | CGC
