LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – The Provincial Health Office reminded the people to remain wary of leptospirosis despite the decrease in the number of cases in this province.
The PHO, citing consolidated reports from Pangasinan provincial hospitals, Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC), and private hospitals, said cases from January 1 to July 8, 2024 decreased by 100 percent compared to the same period in 2023.
WADING in contaminated floodwater can infect a person with leptospirosis.
There were 10 cases and three deaths in 2023 and five cases and two deaths as of July 8.
The 10 cases in 2023 were from Urdaneta City with two and one each from Bani, Mangatarem, Mangaldan, Santa Barbara, Asingan, Manaoag, Sison, and Umingan.
The five cases this year were from Alaminos City, Bugallon, San Fabian, Basista, and Umingan.
Fatalities in 2023 were from Manaoag, Sison, and Umingan, and two from Basista and Umingan.
Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria that affects people and animals like rats, pigs, cows, and dogs. It is spread in the urine of infected animals.
Risk often increases during flood when people come into contact with contaminated water or soil.