Teen dies of leptospirosis in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 17-year-old man from Barangay Bata is the latest leptospirosis fatality here this year, bringing the total to three deaths, according to the City Health Office (CHO).

Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment and Sanitation Division, said the victim had a history of swimming in a river.

He had a fever, muscle weakness, and leg pains, and was admitted in a hospital last week of May, before he passed away, according to Tan.

The first two fatalities were a 52-year-old drainage cleaner from Barangay Villamonte on January 25, and a 47-year-old man from Barangay Banago on April 20.

The CHO reported that nine leptospirosis cases have been logged, as of May 31.

Based on the CHO record, two cases were reported in Barangay Banago and one case each in Barangays 12, 21, Villamonte, Mansilingan, Estefania, and Handumanan.

Leptospirosis cases from May 25 to 31 increased by 12.5 percent compared to last year covering the same period, with only eight cases and two deaths.

Health authorities reminded the public to be cautious in wading in flood waters especially this rainy season.