Iloilo logs 105 leptospirosis cases, 12 deaths

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY – Iloilo province recorded 105 leptospirosis cases, including 12 deaths, from Jan. 4 to Aug. 29, according to the latest Provincial Health Office (PHO) surveillance report.

Cases were down 12% from the 119 recorded during the same period last year, although deaths increased from seven to 12.

Among the 34 local government units with reported cases, Dumangas had the highest number at eight, including one death.

Oton and Tigbauan followed with six cases each, while Passi City, Dingle, Janiuay, Pototan, Santa Barbara and Tubungan each recorded five.

Dingle and Dueñas recorded two deaths each, while one death each was reported in Oton, Zaragoza, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, San Dionisio, San Joaquin and Concepcion.

The province recorded a case fatality rate of 11.43%, representing the proportion of reported cases that resulted in death.

The attack rate was 5.06 cases per 100,000 people.

Tigbauan posted the sharpest year-on-year increase in cases at 500%, followed by Tubungan at 400% and Batad, Lemery and Miagao at 100% each.

Exposure and age profiles

Agriculture-related exposure accounted for the largest number of cases at 38, according to PHO data.

Flood-related exposure followed with 24 cases, other exposure histories with 21, unknown exposure with 18 and mud exposure with four.

People ages 40 and older accounted for the most cases at 47, followed by those ages 20 to 29 with 23 and those ages 30 to 39 with 22.

The 10-to-19 age group recorded 10 cases, while three involved children ages 9 and younger.

Of the reported cases, 94 were male and 11 were female.

Prevention and early treatment

Leptospirosis is caused by Leptospira bacteria and is commonly acquired through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents.

The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or wounds or through the eyes, nose or mouth.

With the rainy season increasing the risk of flooding and exposure to contaminated water and mud, health authorities continue to urge precautions against infection.

The Department of Health (DOH) advises avoiding wading or swimming in floodwater whenever possible, particularly for people with cuts or wounds.

Those who must enter floodwater should wear protective footwear and clothing and wash exposed areas thoroughly with clean water and soap afterward.

People who develop fever, headache, muscle pain, vomiting or red eyes after contact with potentially contaminated water or soil should seek medical attention promptly.

Without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage, liver failure and breathing difficulties.

For certain high-risk exposures, doctors may prescribe preventive antibiotics such as doxycycline.

The DOH stresses that doxycycline should be taken only upon a doctor’s advice and prescription, with the need for preventive treatment determined by the type and level of exposure.

The public is also urged to keep surroundings clean, dispose of garbage properly and avoid unnecessary contact with potentially contaminated water and soil.