Leptospirosis cases in Western Visayas drop by 56%

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas reported a significant 56% drop in leptospirosis cases this year.

As of the 36th morbidity week, which covers the period from Jan. 1 to Sept. 7, the region recorded 317 cases, compared to 718 cases during the same period in 2023, according to Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, DOH-6 Medical Officer IV and head of the Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (EREID) unit.

The number of deaths also decreased, from 58 in 2023 to 19 this year.

Iloilo province reported the highest number of cases with 99, including four deaths, representing a 67% decline from the 304 cases recorded last year.

Negros Occidental followed with 70 cases and two deaths, while Antique had 55 cases and three deaths.

Iloilo City recorded 32 cases with two deaths, and Capiz had 23 cases with one death. Other areas reported fewer cases, including Bacolod City (17), Aklan (13), and Guimaras (8).

Dr. Natalaray noted that leptospirosis predominantly affected males, especially those aged 21 to 30, accounting for 25% of the total cases. Of those, 70 men were infected, compared to 10 women in the same age group.

The health officer advised the public to avoid wading through floodwaters and to wear protective gear when necessary.

She also recommended Doxycycline prophylaxis for those at risk and urged people to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.

Leptospirosis is an infection caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, typically during floods.