The town of Janiuay logged the highest number of leptospirosis cases in the province of Iloilo, data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed.

From January 1 to November 16 this year, PHO recorded 181 cases of leptospirosis, a water-borne disease commonly caused by urine of rodents and rats.

Of the number, Janiuay accounted for 16 cases, followed by Leon with 13 cases; Oton, 12; Alimodian and Tigbauan, 10 each; and Badiangan, 8.

The total cases this year, which include four deaths,  was lower by about 50 percent compared to 361 cases registered in the same period a year ago.

The four fatalities were recorded in the towns of Sara, Barotac Nuevo, Cabatuan, and Leon.

Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever and chills, head and muscle aches, red eyes, vomiting, and jaundice or yellow skin and eyes.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said the symptoms usually become apparent 5 to 14 days after contact with the bacteria. They can, however, also appear anytime from two to 30 days.

If left untreated, leptospirosis may cause kidney failure, brain damage, massive internal bleeding, and death.IMT