• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The City Health Office said Feb. 12 that it logged the first leptospirosis death in the city for this year.
The 45-year-old vegetable vendor from Barangay Mandalagan was admitted with severe leptospirosis and uremic encephalopathy Jan. 5 and died that same day.
The CHO said that 11 days prior to admission, the male patient had onset of fever associated with muscle pain but no consultation was done. Yellowish discoloration of skin with episodes of abdominal discomfort were also experienced one week prior to death, while on the day of admission, he was vomiting and had dyspnea.
Aside from Mandalagan, another leptospirosis case was also logged in Barangay Banago in this year’s first four morbidity weeks.
Last year, 10 leptospirosis deaths were recorded in Bacolod, with 56 cases, or an increase of 86.7 percent increase from the 30 cases with eight deaths logged in 2024.
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.
“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
