Leptospirosis cases in Iloilo up by 101%; deaths rise to 10

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has again reminded the public, especially those with open wounds, to avoid wading through floods.

Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, IPHO head, said floods can be a potential source of leptospirosis and other water-borne diseases.

IPHO’s latest data showed that cases of leptospirosis in the province went up by 101 percent.

From January 1 to Nov. 18 this year, IPHO logged 257 leptospirosis cases with 10 deaths. The number was higher compared to 128 cases in the same period last year.

The fatalities this year were from the towns of Cabatuan, Banate, Miagao, Leon, Barotac Viejo, Badiangan, Balasan, Carles, Maasin and Duenas.

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