Cordillera logs 73 leptospirosis cases from January to August

BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Health reported 73 leptospirosis cases with five deaths from January 1 to August 10 in the Cordillera region.

AN individual can get leptospirosis from exposure to floodwater.

According to DOH-Regional Information Officer Geeny Anne Austria, Apayao province recorded the highest number of cases with 27, followed by Benguet with 14, Baguio City with 12, Kalinga with nine, Ifugao with five, Mountain Province with four, and Abra, two.

Two of the fatalities are from Apayao and one each from Baguio City, Benguet, and Ifugao.

Austria said that although cases were lower this year compared to the 12 cases and 10 deaths in the same period last year, the threat of the bacteria's presence at the start of the rainy season was high.

"We advise the public to seek immediate consultation once they are exposed to floodwater so that they can be given post-exposure prophylaxis and prevent the advance of bacteria," said Austria.

He explained that leptospirosis bacteria can be obtained not only from the infected urine of rats but also from any infected four-legged animal.

Signs and symptoms of leptospirosis include high fever, severe headache, non-specific symptoms of muscle pain, calf muscle pain, and red eyes.