LINGAYEN, Pangasinan –The Pangasinan Provincial Health Office (PHO) has recorded 137 cases of leptospirosis in the province from January 1 to August 13 this year, representing a 90 percent increase over the 72 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Dr. Anna Teresa De Guzman, provincial health officer in an interview Monday, disclosed that there have already been 21 mortalities due to leptospirosis this year, as against only 10 deaths during the same period of 2017.
Most of the victims, she said, were male between 15 to 24 years old.
PHO is closely monitoring towns and cities with the highest number of leptospirosis cases like Binmaley with 13 cases; Mangaldan and Mangatarem with seven cases each; Sual with six cases; Calasiao and San Fabian with five cases each; Manaoag, Sta. Barbara, Umingan and Urdaneta City with four cases each, she revealed.
Dagupan City, a chartered city of the province, recorded 34 cases of leptospirosis with four mortalities from January 1 to August 13 this year.
De Guzman noted that leptospirosis cases in Pangasinan soared last month, when severe flooding took place in the province due to intensified southwest monsoon rains.
“Seek early consultation. Do not self- medicate if flu-like symptoms are being experienced. Wear boots if there is flooding in your area. If you cannot avoid soaking in the flood waters 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, fruits and drink plenty of water, so that your immune system will be strong,” De Guzman added. (Hilda Austria/PNA)
