Robert C. Dejon | June 6, 2022
Eight (8) deaths caused by leptospirosis have been recorded by the Department of Health – Eastern Visayas from January 1 until May 29 this year.
In a presser made last June 1, the 8 casualties were amongst the fifty-three individuals who were reported infected with leptospirosis. According to the DOH-8 Regional Information Officer, Jelyn Malibago, “we expect more cases of leptospirosis as the rainy season begins.”
The health official urged the public to refrain from wading in flooded areas to avoid the bacteria caused mainly from urine of animals, specifically rodents.
If wading into floodwaters is inevitable, Malibago advised them to wear rubber boots and gloves and to drain potentially contaminated water. Maintaining cleanliness around the surroundings is key as is controlling rodents by traps and poison.
Of the 53 cases, 22 came from Leyte; 10 from Samar; 7 each from Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar; 5 from Northern Samar; and 2 from Biliran.
The recorded deaths were from Tacloban City, Abuyog, and Hilongos in Leyte; Padre Burgos and Hinunangan in Southern Leyte; Basey and Catbalogan City in Samar; and from Maydolong in Eastern Samar.
Persons infected with leptospirosis most likely will experience high fever, headache, muscle and abdominal pain and vomiting.
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