THE Iloilo City Health Office (CHO) has recorded a significant decrease in leptospirosis cases from January to June this year compared to the same period last year.
There were only five cases of leptospirosis with one death from January 1 to June 22, which was 70.6 percent lower than the 17 cases with four deaths during the same period in 2018.
City Health Officer Dr. Bernard Caspe said the decrease in leptospirosis cases could be attributed to the heightened advocacy campaign of the CHO.
But he advised the public to remain vigilant especially this rainy season.
“During rainy season, beware of wading in flood water especially when you have an open wound. If in case you cannot avoid it, immediately visit your district health centers so that we can give you medicine,” Caspe said.
All district health centers in Iloilo City are giving free doxycycline and amoxicillin to patients.
According to the Department of Health (DOH), leptospirosis could be acquired through the entry of the leptospira bacteria through wounds when in contact with flood waters, vegetation, and moist soil contaminated with urine of infected animals, especially rats.
Caspe said some of the flooded areas in the metropolis are in Mandurriao, Jaro, and Arevalo districts.
“This rainy season, there are a lot of diseases that may hit you such as respiratory tract infection, flu, diarrhea, dengue, water and food borne diseases, and leptospirosis. In order to avoid these, always bring your raincoats, hats, umbrella, eat healthy and safe food, and as much as possible avoid wading in flooded water which may be contaminated with the urine of mice and rats,” he said. (PR)