A 47-year-old male from Barangay Banago is the second probable leptospirosis fatality in Bacolod City this year, the City Health Office (CHO) reported on Monday, May 5.
The victim was admitted at a hospital because of the upward rolling of his eyeballs and a seizure on April 18 and died on April 20, CHO Sanitation Division Head Dr. Grace Tan said.
The Banago resident had been suffering from body malaise for four days but did not consult a doctor.
The day before he was brought to the hospital he suffered from jaundice and had a fever.
Tan reminded the public to avoid wading and swimming in flood waters, and to immediately consult a doctor if they manifest any leptospirosis symptoms.
She also reminded the public to maintain a clean environment to prevent the infestation of rats.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, primarily spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, such as rats.
Symptoms can range from fever, headache, chills, body or muscle aches, vomiting or nausea, yellowed skin and eyes, red eyes, stomach pain and diarrhea.*