By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) yesterday warned city residents about possible cases of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, following last Thursday’s flooding.

CHO head, Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, said the individuals should avoid wading in floodwaters as they could possibly contract the infection, which is caught by touching soil or water contaminated with the urine of an infected animal, such as rats; with symptoms including high fever, severe headache, chills, red eyes, muscle pain, and abdominal pain.

Gensoli warned, if left untreated, infection may cause kidney failure, brain damage, massive internal bleeding, and death.

The CHO head further advised the public to immediately seek medical attention if a patient exhibits symptoms after being exposed to floodwaters.

She noted antibiotics are available at the CHO, adding, they may be also available at the nearest barangay health station.

CHO earlier recorded one fatality in the city caused by leptospirosis, with 13 suspected cases in the city.

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) earlier confirmed a total of eight reported fatalities in Negros Occidental due to leptospirosis.

PHO head, Dr. Ernell Tumimbang, said there are currently around 85 to 86 cases in the province.

He added, based on records from January to December of last year, there were 174 cases, which resulted in 10 fatalities. The PHO head pointed out, the fatality rate for leptospirosis is usually about one percent./DGB, WDJ