• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Health authorities have logged seven deaths related to leptospirosis in highly-urbanized Bacolod City, as cases continue to increase, as of September 20.
The City Health Office recorded 25 cases of leptospirosis, with seven probable deaths, from January 1 to September 20 this year, an increase of 38.9 percent, compared to 18 cases with six fatalities, in the same period last year.
Leptospirosis, a common disease during the rainy season, is caused by infected rats and contaminated soil and water. Residents in flood-prone areas, or those with a history of wading in floodwater, are susceptible to contracting it, according to the Department of Health.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea, DOH added.*
