• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection contracted through the urine of infected animals especially rats, has claimed the lives of 33 Negrenses, including 19 in Negros Occidental and 14 others in the highly-urbanized Bacolod City, reports of the health offices showed.
From Jan. to Nov. 4 this year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded 149 cases of suspected leptospirosis, of which 19 have died.
Also, 30 out of 31 local government units have at least one suspected case of leptospirosis.
Murcia town logged the most number of fatalities at five, the PHO report added.
Meanwhile, the Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) reported an increase of leptospirosis cases by 175.9 percent from January to October this year compared to the same period in 2022.
CHO records indicated that 66 cases, including 14 deaths, have been recorded this year, while last year, only 29, of which five were fatalities.
The Department of Health warned that exposure to flood waters can cause infection, especially to those with cuts, wounds or abrasions on their skin.
According to CHO reports, 70 to 80 percent of cases have exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground, with most common reasons for complications and death are delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection. | GB
