CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A total of 36 leptospirosis cases, including three deaths, were recorded in Central Luzon from January to June this year, a bit lower compared to the 40 cases during the same period last year.
Dr. Jessie Fantone, head of the Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) of the Department of Health-Central Luzon, told the Philippine News Agency in a telephone interview on Friday that of the three reported deaths, two were from Nueva Ecija and one from Bulacan.
Of the seven provinces in the region, Fantone said that Nueva Ecija has the most number of cases with 18 (including two deaths); followed by Tarlac with six cases; Pampanga, five cases; Bulacan, four cases, including one death; and Aurora with one case.
Fantone said so far, there are no reported leptospirosis cases in Bataan and Zambales.
Meanwhile, two other leptospirosis cases were reported for the 23rd morbidity week (June 4-9).
Fantone, however, said that there is a possibility of increased number of leptospirosis cases in Central Luzon this rainy season.
He advised the public to avoid wading in floodwater or potentially contaminated water.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly acquired through the urine of rodents, direct contact with infected animals, or superficial cuts and open wounds which are exposed to a contaminated environment such as flood water.
“The simple way to avoid contracting leptospirosis is by not wading in floodwater or contaminated water. However, if it cannot be avoided, one should always wear boots or gloves. Likewise, always maintain cleanliness in the house as well as surroundings,” he said.
He also said that contaminated food or soil can also act as vehicles for the disease.
The regional epidemiologist also advised the people to immediately go to the nearest health facility at the first sign of the disease’s symptoms.
Leptospirosis is characterized by fever, muscle pain, headache, calf pain and in some cases, reddish eyes. It could result in renal failure and eventually, death, if treatment is not immediately administered. (PNA)
