2 more die from leptospirosis in Bacolod
5 fatalities from water-borne disease recorded so far
BACOLOD CITY – Two more leptospirosis fatalities have been recorded here, bringing the total to five as of June 9, the City Health Office (CHO) said.
The fourth victim was a 43-year-old man from Barangay 21, who waded in flood water on May 13 and 24.
Three days prior to hospital admission on May 25, the victim had fever associated with multiple episodes of diarrhea. He expired on June 3 due to severe leptospirosis.
The fifth victim was a 57-year-old woman from Barangay Handumanan who also had a history of wading.
Dr. Grace Tan, head of the CHO Environment and Sanitation Division, said the victim waded in floodwater to scatter poison in her home due to a rat infestation early this month.
Tan said the victim suffered difficulty in breathing and fever with occasional cough four days prior to hospital admission. The victim did not undergo medical consultation despite exhibiting symptoms.
She was admitted to a hospital on June 8 and passed away the following day due to severe leptospirosis, according to Tan.
As of June 7, the CHO logged 10 cases, a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year with eight cases and two deaths.
Barangays Banago and Handumanan have two leptospirosis cases each. There was one case each in Barangays 12, 21, Estefania, Mansilingan, Bata, and Villamonte.
The first three fatalities were a 52-year-old drainage cleaner from Barangay Villamonte on Jan. 25, a 47-year-old man from Barangay Banago on April 20, and a 17-year-old teenage boy from Barangay Bata last month.