By CESAR JOLITO III

Leptospirosis has claimed seven lives in Bacolod City this year, with 25 confirmed cases recorded as of September 20 — marking a 38.9 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024, which had 18 cases and six deaths, according to the City Health Office (CHO).

The most recent fatality was a 32-year-old kitchen staff from Purok Maghimulat Aning in Barangay Pahanocoy.

The patient experienced severe headache and sensory decline on September 8, CHO reported.

He was diagnosed with severe leptospirosis with Weil’s disease and acute kidney injury.

The patient was admitted to the hospital on September 9 but died the same day.

Health authorities confirmed he was the seventh recorded death this year due to the waterborne infection.

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

The fourth was a 43-year-old male from Barangay 21, and the fifth was a 57-year-old female from Barangay Handumanan.

Aside from Pahanocoy, leptospirosis cases were also reported in Barangays Villamonte, Handumanan, Felisa, Mansilingan, Banago, and Estefania.

CHO’s Environmental Sanitation Division head Dr. Grace Tan said poor waste management and rising garbage volumes have fueled the rodent population, increasing the risk of leptospirosis.

The public is reminded to avoid wading in floodwaters, wear protective footwear when necessary, and seek immediate medical consultation if symptoms such as fever, severe headaches or muscle pain arise.

The CHO encourages anyone to take leptospirosis prophylaxis as soon as possible following exposure to possibly contaminated water, or immediately consult the nearest health center or private physician for prescription./CJ, WDJ