By Mae Singuay

The number of leptospirosis cases in Bacolod City has increased by 200 percent this year, records from the City Health Office (CHO) showed yesterday.

CHO’s Environment Sanitation Division chief, Grace Tan, said they recorded 75 cases with 14 deaths from January 1 to September 23 this year, much higher than last year’s 25 cases with five deaths.

Tan said the barangays with the highest number of leptospirosis cases were Estefania and Mansilingan, (with six each); Bata, Banago, Vista Alegre, and Felisa (five each); Taculing, 35 and Singcang (four each); and Pahanocoy (three).

She said 70 percent of cases have declared exposure or contact with contaminated water.

The most common reasons for complications are delayed treatment and denial of leptospirosis infection.

Tan said the CHO encourages residents to take leptospirosis prophylaxis immediately after exposure to floodwaters possibly contaminated with leptospira bacteria from rat or animal urine.

Patients are advised to seek consultation with the nearest health center immediately.

She also advised residents to keep the environment clean at all times and segregate garbage appropriately./MS, WDJ