Iloilo City monitors 15 cases of leptospirosis

MANILA, Philippines - With floods yet to fully subside in Iloilo City, health workers are monitoring at least 15 suspected cases of leptospirosis there, an online news site has reported. In an article on The News Today regional health director Lydia Ramos said she already informed city mayor Jerry Treñas about the matter. Treñas called on residents, especially those in evacuation centers and flooded areas, to see a doctor immediately if they feel ill. Poor patients could take advantage of free medical services from health centers, he added. City Health Office (CHO) head Urminico Baronda could not confirm the 15 suspected cases of leptospirosis, but said they are monitoring two reported cases in Jaro district. Jaro was among the hardest hit areas in Iloilo pounded by typhoon "Frank" last month. It has been placed in the watch list for possible waterborne diseases including leptospirosis, which is usually acquired in flooded areas. Baronda said they are verifying reports of the disease in Tagbac and Cubay villages in Jaro. The two patients suspected of having contracted leptospirosis are being treated at the West Visayas State University Medical Center. So far, there are two recorded deaths caused by the illness in the city, he added.- GMANews.TV