By: Lyn Y. Tallio
FLOODED. Residents of Jade Valley subdivision in Buhangin District, Davao City, wade through floodwaters on Jan. 19, 2024. The Department of Health advises the public to avoid wading or playing in flood water as this could cause leptospirosis. (Photo courtesy of PNA)
The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday warned the public regarding the reported rise of leptospirosis cases is increasing, saying that for the first half of this month alone with the onset of the rainy season, 878 cases and 84 deaths have already been recorded.
While the DOH said the figure is only half of the 1,769 cases recorded for the same period last year, it should be noted that the cases have increased in the recent morbidity weeks.
“From only six cases recorded last May 5 to 18, 60 cases were recorded last May 19 to June 1, followed by 83 cases observed from June 2 to June 15,” the DOH said.
Case counts may still increase with delayed reports, it added.
All regions had increases in leptospirosis cases over the previous month except for the Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao.
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the leptospira bacterium found in contaminated water or soil. Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, or through the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Rats infected with these bacteria may infect people through their urine which mixes with flood water. The DOH advises the public to avoid wading through or playing in flood water.
Leptospirosis symptoms include fever, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, headache, distinct pain in the calf muscles, and reddish eyes.
Severe cases may have jaundice or yellowish body discoloration, dark-colored urine, light-colored stool, low urine output, and severe headache.
It takes two to 30 days to get sick after having contact with the bacteria that cause leptospirosis.
A preventive antibiotic prescription is available. Individuals exposed to flood water are advised to consult with a doctor immediately.
If walking in flood water cannot be avoided, the DOH said protective gear such as rubber boots must be worn.