Dengue down 47%, leptospirosis up by 176% in Bacolod City

BACOLOD City – Dengue cases here decreased by 47.2 percent while leptospirosis cases rose by 175.9 percent from January to October this year when compared with the same period in 2022,  City Health Office (CHO) data on Thursday showed.

In the first 10 months of 2023, the CHO recorded only 479 cases of the mosquito-borne illness, including three deaths, while last year, there were 907 cases, of which 13 persons had died.

Dr. Grace Tan, CHO Environment Sanitation Division head, said their sustained anti-dengue advocacy and information campaign in schools and the barangays resulted in lower cases.

She added they continue to fog or spray schools and other public places and apply larvicide in possible mosquito-breeding areas.

Meanwhile, some 66 cases of leptospirosis, including 14 deaths, have been recorded this year, while last year, only 29, of which five were fatalities.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the leptospira spirochetes bacteria contracted through the urine of infected animals, especially rats.

Exposure to flood waters can cause infection, especially to those with cuts, wounds or abrasions on their skin.

Tan said 70 to 80 percent of cases have exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground.

“Most common reasons for complications and death are delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection,” she added.

Barangay 14 has two deaths and one each in Barangays 6, Taculing, Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, Pahanocoy, Granada, Singcang-Airport, Tangub, Banago, and Alijis.

The CHO said, in a report, ensures the availability of chemoprophylaxis for leptospirosis for both young and old patients while they conduct prevention campaigns in vulnerable populations.

Its sanitation inspectors also closely coordinate with the city government to address floods, sewerage siphoning and garbage management.

In its advisory, the CHO encouraged the public to take leptospirosis prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure, wading or contact with water, ground or food possibly contaminated with leptospira in rat or animal urine or consult immediately the nearest health center or private physician for prescription. (PNA)