Bacolod City – Negros Occidental, including highly-urbanized Bacolod City, have logged 15 deaths due to leptospirosis, as cases reached 162, as of September 20.
One hundred thirty seven cases with eight deaths were recorded in Negros Occidental local government units, while 25 cases with seven fatalities were logged in highly urbanized Bacolod City.
Amid continued floods in areas of Negros Occidental, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan said they have not monitored the rise in cases of leptospirosis in 31 Negros Occidental towns and component cities.
But Pinongan said they have not been remiss in their duties of reminding Negrenses to avoid wading in floodwaters, as much as possible, to avoid leptospirosis infections.
Leptospirosis, a common disease during the rainy season, is caused by infected rats and contaminated soil and water. Residents in flood-prone areas, or those with a history of wading in floodwater, are susceptible to contracting it, according to the Department of Health.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, the DOH added.
Members of various search and rescue groups have been provided with prophylaxis, to keep them safe while performing their duties.
Pinongan also reported the continuing decline of dengue cases in the past several weeks in Negros Occidental.
However, compared to the previous year, dengue cases have risen to 137 cases, with eight deaths, from January to September 20 this year. Last year, PHO logged 86 cases in the province.
In Bacolod City, the City Health Office recorded 857 dengue cases with six deaths, as of Sept. 20 this year, a decrease of 48.6 percent, compared to 1,667 cases with four fatalities in 2024. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)