8 die of leptospirosis in N Visayas - report

MANILA, Philippines - Eight people have died of leptospirosis in Northern Visayas and more than 140 cases have been reported so far, according to a report in GMA news 24 Oras Wednesday. Report said that five of the fatalities came from the province of Aklan, two in Iloilo and one in Guimaras. The said provinces are hardly hit by Typhoon “Frank” last month. Leptospirosis is an infection humans get usually through exposure to water contaminated with animal, mostly rat, urine. The infection begins when infected water enters unhealed breaks in the skin and eyes. The Department of Health believes that the victims got infected from the contaminated floodwater caused by Typhoon “Frank.” The report said that symptoms of leptospirosis include fever, headache, vomiting, skin bleeding, diarrhea, rashes and redness of eyes. The DOH advised the public to stay away from the flooded areas and eliminate rats in their areas. - GMANews.TV