Leptospirosis claims 23 lives in northern Mindanao

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

LEPTOSPIROSIS claimed 23 lives as an aftermath of Tropical Storm Sendong in several cities and towns in northern part of Mindanao.

Undersecretary Benito Ramos, executive director of National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said among the problems encountered in Sendong-affected areas are health issues, including the rising number of leptospirosis cases.

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As of Tuesday, 616 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities. The Department of Health (DOH) said leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium called Leptospira interrogans.

People are infected by leptospirosis through contaminated animal urine that is usually transmitted through flood waters. It can enter the body through lesions in the skin, eyes or mucous membranes.

Acute respiratory infections, diarrhea and fever are also among the leading health concerns in various evacuation centers across the region.

As a response, the local health office in Northern Mindanao conducted vaccination and immunization in various areas and health centers, including tetanus toxoid, Attenuated Measles Vaccine, and Oral Polio vaccine.