Despite summer heat, 23 leptospirosis cases recorded in Iloilo

Despite the summer heat, cases of leptospirosis - an infection often seen in flood-prone areas - have been recorded in Iloilo province.

 

The Iloilo Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded at least 23 leptospirosis cases from January to early March, according to a report on Iloilo-based news site The Daily Guardian.

 

The report said the leptospirosis cases were detected in Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara, Dingle, Dumangas, Calinog, Mina, Badiangan, Barotac Viejo, Bingawan, Janiuay, Tubungan, Leon, Miag-Ao, Pototan, Sara and Zarraga towns.

 

Sephora Sotomil of the Provincial Health Office said leptospirosis can still take place during the dry season if a person is exposed to leptospira bacteria in a pig sty or animal stable contaminated by urine.

 

Sotomil said people cleaning pig pens and similar facilities should use protective gear like gloves and boots.

 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said leptospirosis is a disease that affects humans and animals, caused by bacteria of the genus Leptospira.

 

"Without treatment, Leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis (inflammation of the membrane around the brain and spinal cord), liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death," it said.

 

The symptoms of the disease include: