Leptospirosis cases up in NCR

THE Department of Health in National Capital Region (DOH-NCR) reported Sunday a 54-percent increase in the number of leptospirosis cases in the region.

In a phone interview, DOH-NCR Director Dr. Eduardo Janairo said they recorded 88 leptospirosis cases in the region as of middle of July.

“This is higher than the 49 cases tallied last year during the same period,” Janairo said.

DOH-NCR also recorded 12 deaths due to leptospirosis.

Majority of the cases come from the cities of Manila and Quezon.

Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira, which can be caused by contact with water, food, or soil containing urine from infected animals, usually rats.

Its complications include meningitis, extreme fatigue, hearing loss, respiratory distress, and may sometimes result in renal failure and liver failure.

Janairo called on the public to stay at home while rains are expected in the coming days.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Monday a new low pressure area spotted east of Mindanao and the southwest monsoon will bring rains in some parts of Luzon and Visayas in the coming days.

“All are advised, if possible, to keep at home, especially children during continuous rains and flooding,” Janairo said.

“If need to be out, be sure you do not have any open wounds and scratches and wear protective boots and other ways so as not to get in touch with the water,” the health official added.

“Ferdie” brought floods in large areas in Luzon over the weekend, leaving at least two people dead and six missing and halting traffic in parts of Manila for hours. (HDT/Sunnex)