The province of Iloilo logged two deaths due to leptospirosis, an infection caused by bacteria found in the urine of infected animals, especially rats.
The fatalities were among the 85 cases recorded by the Provincial Health Office (PHO) from January 1 to March 18 this year.
The figure was 750 percent higher compared to 10 cases registered in the same period a year ago.
According to PHO head Dr. Maria Socorro Quiñon, the deaths were from the towns of Badiangan and Carles.
“The cases upon investigation are mostly farmers. We have already coordinated with the agriculture office to improve awareness on this because probably they are not aware of the availability of prophylaxis in rural health units to prevent the disease,” she said.
Symptoms of leptospirosis include fever and chills, head and muscle aches, red eyes, vomiting, and jaundice or yellow skin and eyes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said the symptoms usually become apparent 5 to 14 days after contact with the bacteria. They can, however, also appear anytime from two to 30 days.
If left untreated, leptospirosis may cause kidney failure, brain damage, massive internal bleeding, and death.IMT
