• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) has recorded two additional deaths attributed to leptospirosis during the period of October 25 to November 23.
It brings the total number of leptospirosis fatalities in Bacolod City to nine, out of 50 total recorded cases.
The eighth fatality was a 30-year-old male resident of Barangay Mansilingan and was exposed to floodwaters by walking barefoot on the way to work, five days before his hospital admission.
His symptoms included recurring fever, body weakness, a yellowish discoloration of the eyes, neck and calf pain, decrease in urine output, and loose stool.
He was admitted on November 20 and passed away on November 25.
The other fatality was a 16-year-old resident of Barangay Sum-ag, who had been experiencing a fever for a week, but did not seek consultation.
Three days prior to admission, he developed severe stomach pain accompanied by vomiting. He was admitted to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Regional Memorial Hospital on November 22 but succumbed to the disease the following day.
His mother confirmed he had been exposed to floodwaters but did not take prophylaxis.
The citywide distribution of free doxycycline and azithromycin, which began during Typhoon Tino, has been expanded due to the widespread exposure of residents to floodwater.
Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the CHO to sustain and broaden the prophylaxis initiative after Verbena submerged 33 barangays, compelling thousands of residents to wade through waist- to chest-deep waters.
City Health Officer Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli stated that medicines have been distributed to barangays, evacuation centers, and high-risk zones to provide medical assessment and preventive treatment against leptospirosis and other waterborne infections.
Gensoli urged, “Reminder to avoid death caused by leptospirosis, if you were exposed to floodwater, immediately drink medicine. Don’t wait for the symptoms before drinking the medicine because the effect will be delayed. This is free so you don’t have to worry.”
Gasataya emphasized the importance of early protection, encouraging residents who were severely exposed to floodwater to coordinate with their nearest Barangay Health Center for free doxycycline/azithromycin or to visit the City Health Office.
Health personnel noted that the preemptive antibiotic distribution during Typhoon Tino enabled teams to respond immediately and continue interventions as flood incidents escalated over the past week.
The CHO reiterated that the prophylaxis is not intended for walk-in self-medication and must be administered only after screening. Pregnant women, those with underlying medical conditions, and individuals showing symptoms of leptospirosis must undergo a full assessment before treatment.*
