Bacolod City – Cases of leptospirosis in Bacolod City rose by 100 percent from January to December 16 this year, with 16 deaths recorded in the period, according to reports of the City Health Office.
It recorded 44 cases with 11 deaths in previous the year, compared to 88 with 16 deaths at six of 61 Bacolod City barangays, this year, the report added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the leptospira spirochetes bacteria. It is contracted from exposure to water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rats, usually through cuts, wounds, abrasions, or any break in the skin.
CHO reports indicated that delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection are still the most common reasons for complications and death.
“Between 70 and 80 percent of cases have exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground,” it added.
On the other hand, dengue cases in Bacolod City dropped by 44.7 percent, with 555 cases with three deaths, during the same period.
Dengue cases were reported at 1,004, with 14 deaths in the previous year, the report added. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)
