By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Negros Occidental Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded a slight increase in leptospirosis cases in the province this year.

PHO officer-in-charge, Dr. Girlie Pinongan said they have recorded 93 suspected leptospirosis cases since January, slightly higher by 3.3 percent compared to last year.

However, Pinongan noted that the recorded cases are only “suspected,” explaining that the patients exhibited symptoms of leptospirosis.

The patients said they wade through flood waters before experiencing symptoms.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control, the bacteria that cause leptospirosis spread through urine from infected animals such as cattle, pigs, horses, and dogs.

In the Philippines, the illness usually comes from rats.

Infected animals may continue to excrete the bacteria.

Humans can become infected if they come into contact with water, soil and even food that has been contaminated by the leptospirosis bacteria.

Among its symptoms include high fever, headaches, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rashes.

A patient will become sick in two days to four weeks after exposure to a contaminated source.

If left untreated, leptospirosis can cause kidney or liver failure.

Pinongan is urging Negrenses to immediately seek medical attention if they start experiencing symptoms.

She also advised the public to always keep their surroundings clean as it would help minimize rat infestation./DGB, WDJ