• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Leptospirosis has claimed its third victim, a 17-year-old, in Barangay Bata, Bacolod City, who died in the last week of May, while being treated in a medical facility, according to the City Health Office.
The victim, who had a history of swimming in the river, was admitted in a hospital due to fever, leg pains, muscle weakness, one day before he died, according to City Health Officer Dr. Grace Tan.
The two other fatalities were residents of the barangays Villamonte and Banago.
Records from the CHO showed that the total number of leptospirosis cases in Bacolod City has reached nine, or an increase of 12.5 percent compared to the same period last year that had eight cases and two deaths.
The barangays with the highest number of cases are Banago with two recorded cases of leptospirosis, followed by Villamonte, Estefania, Brgy. 12, Mansilingan, Bata, Handumanan, and Brgy. 21.
In a public advisory, DOH said leptospirosis is caused by the leptospira bacteria, which can be contracted through water and soil contaminated with the urine or feces of infected animals.
The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with the urine of infected rats, pigs, cows, and dogs. Health authorities reminded the public to be cautious of wading in flood and dirty water.*
