Bacolod logs 188.2% hike in leptospirosis cases

LEPTOSPIROSIS cases in Bacolod City have increased by 188.2 percent from January to July 15, 2023, compared to the same period in 2022, City Health Office (CHO) records showed.

Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment Sanitation Division, said yesterday that they listed 49 leptospirosis cases with five deaths in the period compared to 17 cases with four deaths in 2022.

Of the 49 cases, Barangay Felisa topped the list with five followed by Barangays Estefania, Mansilingan, Banago, and Vista Alegre with four cases each; Barangays 33 and Pahanocoy with three cases each; and Barangays 2, 3, Villamonte and Handumanan with two cases each.

Tan said they were conducting information dissemination on appropriate garbage management and disposal to prevent the spread of leptospirosis.

She said the Department of Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) was also conducting the clearing of water runaways and drainage or sewerage.

The City Council earlier approved a resolution requesting the CHO to conduct information and prevention on the health risk imposed by leptospirosis.

Councilor Claudio Puentevella, chairperson of the City Council committee on health, earlier said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declared the start of the Monsoon season in the Philippines. The Philippines is expected to experience slight to moderate rainfall during the monsoon season.

He said leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is fatal to the human body and is spread through the urine of rodents and other mammals, which may be spread through contaminated flood.*