BACOLOD CITY – The City Health Office (CHO) reported a 204.5 percent increase in the number of leptospirosis cases here from January 1 to September 2.
The CHO said on Monday, September 11, that 67 cases have been recorded this year compared to 22 cases in the same period last year.
Barangays Mansilingan had the highest number of cases with six, followed by Bata, Felisa, and Estefania with five each, Banago, Vista Alegre, 35, Taculing, and Singcang-Airport with four, and Pahanocoy with three.
The CHO said about 70 percent of these cases were exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground. Age of affected ranged from seven to 76. Age group with the most cases was 21- to 40-years-old.
Twelve deaths were reported this year compared to five last year for a 17.9 percent fatality rate.
One fatality each was reported in Barangays Taculing, Banago, Handumanan, Villamonte, Bata, Pahanocoy, Granada, Singcang-Airport, 6, and Tangub and two in Barangay 14.
The CHO said that the most common reasons for complications and death were delayed health seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection.
It advised the public to report to the barangay any uncovered manholes or ditches, open canals, or septic vaults which could be the breeding place or rat shelter for appropriate management and abatement/rodenticide.
The CHO reminded young and elderly persons to avoid wading or coming in contact with flood water or any damp, dirty ground, soil, or water.