LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The number of cases of Leptospirosis in Pangasinan province surged to 372 or 231 percent on Jan. 1-Sept. 24 from 110 during the same period last year, the Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported.
In an interview Friday, Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Anna Teresa de Guzman, said 47 deaths caused by leptospirosis have been reported.
Based on the PHO’s surveillance update as of Sept. 24, Dagupan City had the highest number of cases with 111, followed by Binmaley – 43, Mangatarem – 24, Mangaldan – 16, San Fabian — 15, Calasiao – 11, Sta. Barbara – 11, Aguilar – 10, Bayambang – 9, and San Carlos City – 9. The other towns and cities had less than eight cases each.
Dagupan City also had the highest mortality with 13 cases. Next is Binmaley with six deaths, and Sual and Manaoag with three each. The other towns and cities had two or one mortality.
De Guzman said 51 of the victims were aged 20 years to 25 years. Male were the most susceptible to the disease with 323 males.
She said leptospirosis cases in Pangasinan soared starting last month when the province was hit by severe flooding brought by typhoon-intensified monsoon rains.
This month, the province again experienced massive flooding due to Typhoon ‘Ompong’.
De Guzman reiterated her advice to Pangasinenses to “seek early consultation, and not to self- medicate once they experience flu-like symptoms.”
“Wear boots if there is flooding in your area. If you cannot avoid soaking in the floodwaters, make sure to take prophylaxis for leptospirosis, which you can ask from your health center,” she said.
De Guzman also emphasized the importance of ensuring the cleanliness of surroundings to prevent the disease.
“Clean your surroundings. Throw your garbage properly, so there will be no rats in your area,” she said. “Eat vegetables and fruits, and drink plenty of water, so that your immune system will be strong.”
The provincial government is continuously delivering health services and conducting health information campaign in barangays through the ‘Kalusugan Caravan’. (Hilda Austria/PNA)