The total suspected leptospirosis deaths in Bacolod City have increased to 10, with one new fatality, as of December 10, the City Health Office reported Friday, December 16.
The CHO has recorded 42 suspected leptospirosis cases in Bacolod this year, which are 68 percent higher than last year.
The age range of those affected were 1 to 68 years old.
Leptospirosis is caused by the entry of the leptospira bacteria through wounds when in contact with flood waters, vegetation, and moist soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.
The CHO reminded the public to avoid wading in water, especially during floods, and to use boots or gloves when coming in contact with possibly contaminated water.
It also stressed the need for prophylaxis – doxycycline, azithromycin, amoxicillin – within 24 to 48 hours or as soon as possible whenever exposed or coming in contact with anything possibly contaminated with mouse urine/leptospira organism.
Seek early consultation or treatment whenever symptoms such as fever and muscle, especially calf pains, are experienced, the CHO added.
Negros Occidental and Bacolod City had 43 leptospirosis deaths as of December 3, the Department of Health reported earlier. There were 34 leptospirosis deaths in Negros Occidental and nine in Bacolod City, as of December 3. It said.
The CHO also reported 988 dengue cases, including 13 deaths, in Bacolod as of December 10 or an increase by 192.3 percent compared to last year.
There were also seven suspected and one confirmed measles-rubella cases in Bacolod City this year, the CHO added.*