By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The number of leptospirosis cases in Bacolod City increased by 176 percent this year, data from the City Health Office (CHO) showed yesterday.

The CHO recorded 66 leptospirosis cases since January of this year, higher than the 29 cases logged during the same period in 2022.

Fourteen deaths have been recorded, compared to last year’s five fatalities.

Data also showed Barangay 14 has two leptospirosis deaths.

Barangays 6, Alijis, Banago, Bata, Granada, Handumanan, Pahanocoy, Singcang-Airport, Taculing, Tangub, and Villamonte have one fatality each.

Dr. Grace Tan, CHO Environment Sanitation Division head, said most patients were exposed to contaminated water or soil.

Tan added that the deaths related to leptospirosis were attributed to delayed treatment, as patients deny or refuse to believe that they are infected.

The CHO is now conducting leptospirosis prevention campaigns among the vulnerable sectors, and ensuring the availability of chemoprophylaxis.

They also advised residents, especially with wounds or abrasions on their skin, to take leptospirosis prophylaxis immediately upon exposure or contact with water possibly contaminated with leptospira bacteria from rat or animal urine.

The public should consult a doctor or the nearest health center for a prescription.

Meanwhile, sanitation inspectors are coordinating with the local government unit to address floods and garbage management in the city.

Dengue cases down

Meanwhile, CHO data showed a decline in the number of dengue cases in Bacolod this year.

Dengue cases have decreased by 47.2 percent, with 479 cases recorded, compared to 907 cases during the same period last year.

Three fatalities were recorded due to the mosquito-borne disease, lower than 13 deaths logged last year.

Tan said sustained anti-dengue information campaigns for communities, fogging and use of larvicides contributed to the decline of cases./DGB, WDJ