By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The City Health Office (CHO) here reported a 204.5% increase in leptospirosis cases from January 1 to September 2, 2023.
Based on the data released by the CHO yesterday, a total of 67 cases have been recorded, or a difference of 45 cases against 22 for the same months last year.
The data also showed that 12 deaths were reported this year compared to five deaths in the previous year, resulting in a 17.9 percent fatality rate.
One fatality each was reported in Barangays Taculing, Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, Pahanocoy, Granada, Singcang-Airport, 6, and Tangub, and two deaths in Barangay 14.
The CHO said that the most common reasons for complications and death are delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection.
The barangays with the highest number of cases are Mansilingan with six cases, followed by Bata, Felisa, and Estefania with five cases each, Banago, Vista Alegre, 35, Taculing, and Singcang-Airport with four cases each, and Pahanocoy with three cases.
The CHO said that 70 percent of these cases have declared exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground.
The age of the affected ranged from seven to 76 years old. The age group with the most cases is 21 to 40 years old, according to the CHO.
The CHO advised the public to report to the barangay any uncovered manholes or ditches, open canals, or septic vaults which could be the breeding place or rat shelter for appropriate management – abatement/rodenticide.
The health office also urged young and elderly persons to avoid wading or coming in contact with flood water or any damp, dirty ground or soil or water, as this may have leptospira organisms.
