DOH alarmed over 290 leptospirosis cases, 29 deaths in WVisayas

Health officials in Western Visayas are alarmed over a rise in incidents of leptospirosis there, recording at least 290 cases with 29 deaths so far this year. The Department of Health (DOH) regional office said the 190 cases from Jan. 1 to Aug. 13 is higher than the 63 cases and eight deaths in the same period in 2010, radio dzBB's Iloilo affiliate reported this week. Leptospirosis is a potentially deadly disease caused by direct exposure to bacteria found in urine of infected animals, especially rats. A separate report on Iloilo-based The Daily Guardian said Iloilo province topped the leptospirosis chart with 158 cases including 13 deaths. DOH regional director for Emerging/Re-emerging Diseases Prevention and Control Dr. Ma. Jocelyn Te urged the public to avoid, as much as possible, wading in floodwaters. “We emphasize that they should wear boots if wading cannot be avoided," she said. But Iloilo Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Assistant Provincial Health Officer Ma. Socorro Quiñon said there is no outbreak or sudden surge of the infection. Quiñon said only 12 new cases were reported while those previously infected, as reported since January, have already recovered. Negros Occidental had 66 cases with eight deaths; Capiz had 17 with five deaths; Bacolod City had 19 with one death; Iloilo City had 17 with two deaths; Antique had nine and Guimaras had 4 cases. — LBG, GMA News