Public warned of leptospirosis; 2 died again
LINGAYEN—Leptospirosis has claimed two lives in Pangasinan, a farmer and a mechanic, from the towns of Manaoag and Calasiao respectively, the chief of the Provincial Health Office said.
Dr. Anna de Guzman, provincial health officer, said Friday that the casualties from Manaoag and Calasiao died in May and July respectively.
There were two other previously reported cases of leptospirosis this year, de Guzman said.
She cautioned people against wading in floodwaters and stagnant flooded area but clarified that persons can be infected with leptospirosis any time of the year and not only during rainy season. This was the case of the two victims from Urdaneta City recorded were in January and February. Stagnant water may have been the source, she pointed out.
De Guzman said drinking water contaminated with animal urine, including vegetables and fruits not thoroughly washed, can also be a source of the leprae bacteria and is dangerous when ingested.
She also warned that not only rats that attack rice fields but also other farm animals and pets are carrier of leptospirosis bacteria.
Last year, there were nine cases of leptospirosis in Pangasinan with two deaths, she added.
De Guzman said there are two stages of the disease, the early stage where the patient suffers from high fever with chills, headache, muscle pain and vomiting. The late stage leads to kidney damage, jaundice, liver failure, respiratory distress, meningitis that leads to death.
She advised patients to seek early consultation.
The incubation period of leprae bacteria is two to 29 days. —Tita Roces
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