Iloilo leptospirosis deaths rise 67% to 15

ILOILO CITY — Leptospirosis deaths in Iloilo province have climbed to 15 this year, a 66.7% increase from the nine deaths recorded during the same period last year, according to the latest data from the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO).

From Jan. 4 to Sept. 12, the IPHO recorded 132 cases, one fewer than the 133 cases reported during the same period last year.

Of the total, 11 new cases and two deaths were recorded during the latest week, covering Sept. 6–12.

Among the 40 affected localities, Dumangas recorded the highest number of cases at nine, including two deaths.

Oton and Tigbauan followed with eight cases each, with Oton recording one death.

Dingle reported seven cases and two deaths, while Passi City and Santa Barbara each recorded six cases.

Two deaths were also recorded in Dueñas.

Zarraga, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Sara, Banate, San Dionisio, San Joaquin, and Concepcion each recorded one death.

The only municipalities with no recorded cases were Ajuy, Estancia, and San Rafael.

IPHO data showed that agriculture-related exposure was the largest reported exposure category, accounting for 42 cases.

Flood-related exposure accounted for 40 cases, while 23 were classified under other exposures.

Another 22 cases had unknown exposure histories, while five involved mud exposure.

The figures underscore the continuing risk faced by people who work or spend time in potentially contaminated water, soil, and agricultural environments.

Men accounted for 114 of the 132 reported cases, or 86.4%, while women accounted for 18 cases, or 13.6%.

The 40-or-older age group recorded the highest number of cases at 59, including 52 males and seven females. The 20–29 age group followed with 29 cases, comprising 24 males and five females.

The 30–39 age group recorded 24 cases, including 20 males and four females. 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.

While IPHO data show that men account for the overwhelming majority of reported cases, the figures do not by themselves indicate that males are inherently more susceptible to the disease.

The high proportion of male patients coincides with the significant number of cases involving agriculture- and flood-related exposure.

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by Leptospira bacteria and is commonly transmitted through water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents.

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 with possible exposure 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.

However, health authorities cautioned against taking doxycycline without medical advice after every exposure to floodwater.

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

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.

If left untreated, leptospirosis can progress to severe illness and potentially cause kidney damage, liver failure, meningitis, respiratory complications, or death.