The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (IPHO) has warned the public on the increasing cases of leptospirosis that have reached 107 including two deaths as of June 24 this year, according to the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU).

The towns with the most number of cases are Cabatuan, Barotac Nuevo, Pototan, Anilao, Dingle, Oton, Santa Barbara, Dumangas, San Enrique and Mina, said Health Officer Dr. Rodney Labis, in a media interview on Monday, July 3.

The two deaths were recorded in the municipalities of Badiangan and Carles.

Labis said most of the cases were due to exposure to farms or wading in flood water due to rains that drenched the province.

In the same period last year, the province has only 27 cases.

Labis said local government units with cases are already conducting response activities to control the surge, including the conduct of health promotion activities in communities, purchase of prophylaxis medicines, and mobilizing personnel of the rural health units and barangay health workers for easy access to services on leptospirosis prevention and control program.

They are also augmented by IPHO personnel for the conduct of health advocacies on other diseases that occur during the rainy season and technical assistance to strengthen their response against leptospirosis.

The medical officer said that leptospirosis is an infection caused by leptospira bacteria that can be acquired through direct contact with infected urine, blood, or tissue of infected animals.

“Direct contact usually happens when wound, the lining of the eyes, nose, sinuses, and mouth come in contact with the infected material. In ordinary circumstances, this usually happens through contact with infected water like flood water, soil, or water in the farm,” he added.

The farmers, he said, have a high risk of getting the disease because most of the time, they need to wade in water on the farm that is possibly contaminated with the bacteria.

Among the signs and symptoms are fever, muscle pain, headache, chills, and redness of the eyes. In worst cases, it may cause damage to the liver, kidney and brain.

As prevention, he said that wading or swimming in unclean water should be avoided, or wear personnel protective equipment like boots and gloves.

“After exposure, immediately wash with soap and water your hands and feet and other parts of the body that were exposed to the contaminated water. It is also advisable to take post-exposure prophylaxis with the guidance of a health worker,” he said.Perla Lena/PNA