The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) recorded the third fatality due to leptospirosis in the city this year — a 17-year-old boy from Barangay Bata.

CHO’s Environment and Sanitation Division head, Dr. Grace Tan said the teen was admitted for a day to a hospital in late May after he experienced fever, muscle weakness and leg pains, before he passed away.

Tan said the victim had a history of swimming in the river.

CHO data showed Bacolod has logged nine leptospirosis cases as of May 31.

Two cases were reported in Barangay Banago.

One case was recorded each in Barangays 12, 21, Bata, Estefania, Handumanan, Mansilingan, and Villamonte.

The first two fatalities from leptospirosis for this year were a 52-year-old drainage cleaner from Barangay Villamonte on January 25, and a 47-year-old resident of Barangay Banago on April 20.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira spirochetes, is contracted from exposure to water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, especially rats, through cuts, wounds and abrasions on the skin.

The CHO encourages anyone to take leptospirosis prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure, wading, or contact with possibly contaminated water, ground or food or immediately consult the nearest health center or private physician for prescription.

It was earlier reported that delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of leptospirosis infection are the most common reasons for complications and death, and between 70 and 80 percent of cases have exposure or contact with contaminated water or ground./WDJ