The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) is expecting an increase in the number of leptospirosis this rainy season.
IPHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon said heavy rain and flooding aggravate the spread of leptospirosis.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria that is found in water contaminated by the urine and feces of infected animals such as rats, dogs, cattle, and goats.
Quiñon advised the public to wear boots and other protective gear when they cannot avoid wading through floodwaters.
From January 1 to June 22 this year, IPHO logged 50 cases of leptospirosis, lower by 60 percent compared to 125 cases recorded in the same period a year ago.
The town of Leon recorded the highest cases of the bacterial disease in the province at 4, followed by Alimodian, Cabatuan, Calinog, Janiuay, Miagao, Oton and Tigbauan with three cases each and Igbaras and Lambunao with two cases each.IMT
