Deaths from leptospirosis in Bacolod City have increased to 12, the City Health Office reported on Monday, September 4.
The latest fatality is a 32-year-old male from Barangay 14 who was exposed to contaminated water on August 16 and died on August 25.
The 12 leptospirosis fatalities were from barangays Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, Pahanocoy, Granada, Singcang, 14, 6, and Tangub, the CHO said.
There were also 54 other Bacolod residents hit with suspected leptospirosis who survived, the CHO added.
Leptospirosis is caused by the leptospira spirochetes that are acquired from infected urine or feces of animals such as rats that contaminate food, water and soil, the Department of Health said.
“Its symptoms are fever, pain in various muscle parts, headache, red eyes. In severe cases the liver, kidneys and brain are severely affected which will cause yellowing of the skin, dark-colored and scanty urine production and excessive headache,” the DOH said.
The DOH advises the public to ensure that their food is clean and drinking water is safe, and to avoid swimming or wading in flood waters especially if one has a wound.*