Bacolod City – The Provincial Health Office has logged 90 suspected leptospirosis cases, with four related- deaths, especially in the 4th and 5th district of Negros Occidental, as of November 24.
Among the cases, 72 were exposed to floodwaters after Typhoon Tino, according to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Girlie Pinongan.
Pinongan said she expects the number of leptospirosis cases to increase, as Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) in Bacolod City, have yet to submit their respective reports.
The CLMMRH reported recently that it has treated 26 cases of leptospirosis from Nov. 1 to 22, with more severe and moderate cases coming from southern Negros.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated by animal urine, often presents with early symptoms, including high fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, vomiting, and jaundice.
Pinongan disclosed that all 90 suspected cases were treated in various hospitals, with fatalities including vulnerable individuals, mostly senior citizens aged 60 and above, while some are in their 20s.
Representative Emilio Bernardino Yulo III reported earlier an alleged outbreak of leptospirosis in the 5th district of Negros Occidental after the flashfloods earlier this month due to Typhoon Tino.
Pinongan stressed that the situation cannot yet be declared an outbreak.
“We’re seeing an upsurge in cases compared to last year, but we cannot declare an outbreak without laboratory-confirmed cases. Only DOH can make that declaration,” she stressed.
Pinongan urged residents exposed to floods to seek immediate medical attention if they develop fever, chills, body pain, or muscle aches.
“We are appealing, along with the DOH, to help disseminate information. Anyone showing signs and symptoms must go to the nearest health facility immediately so they can receive treatment,” she said.
Dr. Nikka Hao, Department of Health regional director for Negros Island Region, said the DOH and concerned local government units are closely monitoring and responding to all of the consequences, in terms of health, from the different disasters, that they have been experiencing.
Hao, who presided over a meeting with PHO officials, said they are now developing strategies on how to address the problem.
After every flooding activity, the incubation period, or the time when the symptoms start to appear, it really happens from five to 14 days after the event. That is why we have seen such cases now, the DOH regional director said. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds
