Leptospirosis cases in Bacolod City went down by 63 percent in 2024 as a result of a continuous prevention and control campaign, data from the City Health Office (CHO) on Monday, Jan. 13, showed.
From Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, a total of 34 cases, including nine probable deaths, were recorded compared to the 92 cases, with 16 deaths, in 2023.
Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, city health officer, said in an earlier interview that there is now heightened awareness among the Bacolodnons about the disease.
“Health promotion is important to disseminate information. Floods are not that prevalent compared to last year,” she 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, through cuts, wounds, abrasions, or any break in the skin.
In its advisory, the CHO encourages anyone to take leptospirosis prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure, wading, or contact with possibly contaminated water, ground, or food or consult immediately the nearest health center or private physician for prescription.
Data further showed the nine villages that recorded the highest cases are Barangays Pahanocoy, Estefania, Felisa, Banago and Sum-ag, with three each; and Vista Alegre, Punta Taytay, Mansilingan and Taculing, two each.
The probable deaths were recorded in Pahanocoy, Banago and Punta Taytay, with two each, as well as in Estefania, Felisa and Barangay 6, one each.
The CHO earlier reported that delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection are the most common reasons for complications and death, and between 70 and 80 percent of cases have exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground.*PNA