Iloilo leptospirosis deaths rise 60% amid flood, farm exposure

ILOILO CITY — Leptospirosis deaths in Iloilo province have risen 60% this year, with flood- and agriculture-related exposure accounting for nearly two-thirds of the 147 cases recorded as of Sept. 26, according to the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

IPHO data showed 16 deaths since Jan. 4, up from 10 during the same period last year.

Cases, meanwhile, increased slightly from 143 last year to 147 this year, or about 3%.

Of the total cases recorded this year, 46 were associated with agriculture-related exposure and 45 with flood-related exposure.

Combined, the two categories accounted for 91 cases, or about 62% of the total.

The latest morbidity week, covering Sept. 20 to 26, recorded five new cases and one death.

The latest fatality was recorded in Passi City, which has reported eight cases.

Dumangas, Dingle and Dueñas recorded two deaths each, while Oton, Zarraga, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Sara, Banate, San Dionisio, San Joaquin and Concepcion each recorded one fatality.

The concentration of cases among people reporting agriculture- and flood-related exposure highlights the continuing risk from contact with potentially contaminated water, soil and agricultural environments.

Flooding can increase exposure to Leptospira bacteria, which may be present in water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents.

The risk can persist after floodwaters recede, especially where contaminated mud, soil or standing water remains.

Other reported exposure categories included 26 cases with unknown exposure histories, 25 classified under other exposures and five involving mud exposure.

Among 41 localities affected by leptospirosis, Dumangas and Pototan recorded the highest number of cases at nine each.

Passi City, Tigbauan and Oton followed with eight cases each, while Dingle, Maasin and Santa Barbara each recorded seven.

Estancia and San Rafael were the only municipalities with no recorded cases during the period.

Men account for majority of cases

Men accounted for 127 of the 147 reported cases, or 86.4%, while women accounted for 20 cases, or 13.6%.

The 40-and-older age group recorded the highest number of cases, with 70, comprising 62 males and eight females.

This was followed by the 20-29 age group with 31 cases, comprising 25 males and six females.

The 30-39 age group recorded 25 cases, including 21 males and four females, while the 10-19 age group had 15 cases, consisting of 14 males and one female.

The 9-and-younger age group recorded five cases, with four males and one female.

Although men make up the vast majority of reported cases, the data alone do not establish that they are inherently more susceptible to leptospirosis.

The distribution occurs alongside the large number of cases involving agriculture- and flood-related exposure.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease commonly transmitted through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, abrasions or open wounds, as well as through the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose or mouth.

Health authorities advised people who may have been exposed to contaminated floodwater, soil or mud to seek assessment at a rural health unit (RHU) or hospital.

Doxycycline is available through RHUs, with supplies distributed to local governments through city and provincial health offices.

The antibiotic may be used to treat leptospirosis and, in certain high-risk situations, may be prescribed as preventive treatment before symptoms develop.

Health workers, however, should determine whether preventive medication or treatment is appropriate based on an individual’s exposure and condition.

People should not take doxycycline on their own after every exposure to floodwater.

Symptoms typically appear within five to 14 days after exposure, although they may develop as early as two days or as late as 30 days.

Early symptoms include fever, chills, severe headache, muscle pain in the calves and lower back, and vomiting.

Untreated leptospirosis can progress to severe illness, including kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, respiratory complications or death.