ILOILO CITY — Nine leptospirosis patients, mostly farmers, died in Iloilo province from Jan. 1 to Aug. 28 this year, the Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) reported on Friday.
Dr. Patricia Grace Trabado, PHO chief, said the nine deaths are part of 88 cases of leptospirosis recorded over the period, which is higher by 283 percent compared to the 23 cases recorded in the same period last year.
Based on PHO data, those who died of leptospirosis were aged 11 to 40 and above.
Three of the deaths were from the town of Oton and one each in the towns of Cabatuan, Alimodian, Dumangas, Lambunao, Sta. Barbara, and Concepcion.
Trabado reiterated her warning to the public, especially to farmers in the province who have open wounds, to avoid exposure to contaminated water so they would not contract leptospirosis.
“For the past weeks, we have been experiencing rains and farmers have been busy with their farm lands,” she said.
However, if they cannot avoid it, they are encouraged to use rubber boots or even use plastic to cover their feet, especially in areas with wounds, she added.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is spread through the urine of infected animals, especially rats.
The symptoms of the disease include high fever, muscle pain, redness of the eye, chills, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, or yellowish skin.
“They (public) should seek consultation from the doctor if they experience these symptoms,” Trabado added. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
