Date from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) showed that last year, there were 24 cases recorded.
But the PHO advised the public anew to not be complacent, noting that the disease is common during rainy season.
In an interview Dr. Leah Del Rosario said the public should take extra precaution, particularly during flood.
“Leptospirosis can be prevented by avoiding water that might be contaminated with animal urine especially when they have open wounds,” she said.
“Wear protective clothes and equipment and disinfecting contaminated surfaces,” she added.
Leptospirosis is a fatal bacterial disease that affects human and animals alike; it is caused by spiral shaped bacteria of the genus Leptospira; it spreads through the urine of infected animals and is prevalent in fresh water, soil, and mud, in tropical areas.
Symptoms usually occur 2 days to 4 weeks from time of exposure and can cause a wide range of symptoms in human including high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash and could lead to complications like meningitis, respiratory diseases, liver failure, and kidney damage.(CPPB/Rubi Ann B. Repil)
