Pangasinan records first casualty of leptospirosis
MANGALDAN—A 17-year old tri-bike driver from barangay Guilig here became the first casualty of leptospirosis in the province this year.
However, Dr. Anna Theresa De Guzman, provincial health officer (PHO) said some 16 cases of leptospirosis were already recorded from January to July 20 this year, 3 percent higher than the 15 recorded cases on the same period last year.
De Guzman disclosed the victim here was brought to the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in the late stage of the disease.
“He was already experiencing a week of high fever but they brought him to a faithhealer instead of bringing him in the hospital”, said De Guzman. He died two days after.
Dr. Ofelia Rivera, municipal health officer of Mangaldan confirmed the victim had an athlete’s foot and was exposed to floodwaters in their barangay.
“We are reminding the public that with the onset of uncontrollable high fever, they should immediately seek medical attention since it is free for indigents”, said De Guzman.
She said even indigent families who are not included in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the province are covered by the province’s point of care program of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).
Among the towns with cases of leptospirosis are Bugallon, Binmaley, Asingan, Tayug, San Fabian, Umingan and Mangaldan.
“We keep on reminding the public to wear protective gears for your feet when it is impossible to avoid getting in the floodwaters, to keep a clean surrounding, to wash their hands before eating or preparing foods and seek medical attention with prolong fever”, said De Guzman.
Meanwhile, PHO is also monitoring dengue cases in the province.
De Guzman said some 818 cases were already recorded with four casualties from January to July 20 this year and the number of cases and casualties is considered alarming since that the wet season is not yet over. (Hilda Austria)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
