Leptospirosis on the upsurge anew
JUST when health authorities thought the worst was over, the water-borne disease leptospirosis has again been on the rise following the back-to-back typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” in the last week of September and beginning October.
A report from the Region I Medical Center (R1MC) showed that in October, 28 persons were already afflicted with leptospirosis, one of whom already died.
Dr. Michael Canto, R1MC spokesman, said the fatality was 49-year old male from Barangay Lucap, Alaminos City.
In September, 22 were reported to have contracted the disease, with four fatalities, three of whom were from Mangaldan.
Mangaldan has the second highest incidence of leptospirosis, next to Dagupan.
Canto said leptospirosis, which is already an endemic disease in the Philippines, can be cured but only during the early stage.
Prophylaxis is also available and the Department of Health provides these to people whose work exposes them to floodwater.
He explained that leptospirosis is usually contracted by people who have lesions on their feet or legs and waded in floodwaters that is contaminated by the infected urine of rats.
Canto advised the public not to walk in floodwater or wear protective gear such as boots if this could not be avoided.
Further, the doctor said vegetables need to be thoroughly washed as these may have also been contaminated.
Canto expressed fear that cases of leptospirosis may continue to rise given the expected four more typhoons that will hit the country as forecasted by the Philippine Atmospheric Geo-sciences Atmospheric Administration (PAGASA).
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