3 DEATHS IN 68 CASES; Iloilo residents warned of leptospirosis amid increasing flooding

ILOILO – Following torrential rains that caused flooding, especially in low-lying areas, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is urging residents, especially farmers and workers, to be vigilant against leptospirosis.

As of July 20, 2024, 68 cases of the bacterial disease had been registered in the province, three of which were fatal.

This is a decrease of 52 percent compared to the 143 cases reported in the same period in 2023.

Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with urine from infected animals or environments contaminated with such urine. The bacteria can enter the body through skin wounds or the mucous membranes of the eyes, nose and mouth.

Early symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, red eyes, jaundice, and even bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes.

Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñón, head of IPHO, advises avoiding wading in floodwaters.

For people in professions where this is unavoidable, such as farmers and laborers, wearing protective clothing and preventing open wounds on the feet is crucial.

After exposure, it is recommended to rinse thoroughly with clean water and soap and seek prophylactic treatment from local Rural Health Units (RHUs).

First District Congresswoman Janette Garin also stresses the importance of timely medical intervention.

“People exposed to floodwater should take doxycycline within 48 hours, and if they are injured, within three days,” explains Garin, a physician.

She added that anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever or changes in urine color after exposure should seek immediate medical attention at RHUs for early treatment.

The municipalities with the highest incidence of leptospirosis are Calinog, Leon (four cases, including one death), Oton and Santa Barbara, each reporting four cases.

Alimodian, Barotac Nuevo (three cases, one death), Barotac Viejo, Cabatuan (three cases, one death), Igbaras and Lambunao followed with three cases each.

Another 23 municipalities reported cases, bringing the total to 33 of the 43 affected areas in the province, including Passi City.

These are Miag-ao (three), Pavia (three), Tigbauan (three), Janiuay (two) Lemery (two), San Enrique (two), Massin (two), San Miguel (two), Ajuy (one), Balasan (one), Banate (one), Concepcion (one), Dingle (one), Dueñas (one), Dumangas (one), Guimbal (one), Mina (one), New Lucena (one), Passi City (one), San Dionisio (one), Sara (one), Tubungan (one) and Zarraga (one).
Notably, Anilao, Badiangan, Batad, Bingawan, Carles, Estancia, Leganes, Pototan, San Joaquin and San Rafael have not reported any cases so far./PN