By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City Health Office (CHO) recorded a third fatality linked to leptospirosis in the city following the death of a 52-year-old male resident from Barangay Estefania.

According to medical records, the patient was admitted on March 23 after experiencing worsening symptoms, including persistent diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and yellowish discoloration of the skin.

He died two days later, on March 25.

Doctors identified the immediate cause of death as septic shock, secondary to severe leptospirosis, specifically Weil’s disease — a critical form of the bacterial infection that can lead to organ failure.

Prior to his illness, the patient reportedly had a history of wading through floodwaters about a week before symptoms appeared.

Three days before hospitalization, he experienced multiple episodes of loose bowel movements and vomiting but did not initially seek medical consultation or take medication.

His condition deteriorated further with the onset of fever and muscle pain, prompting an emergency room visit.

Leptospirosis is commonly transmitted through exposure to water contaminated with urine from infected animals, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.

The CHO continues to remind the public to avoid wading in floodwaters, wear protective gear when exposure is unavoidable, and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, vomiting, or jaundice appear.

Delayed health-seeking behavior and denial of possible exposure are among the most common factors leading to severe complications and death.

The CHO also reiterated preventive measures, including proper waste segregation and disposal, avoiding contact with floodwater or damp, dirty ground and actively helping curb the rat population.

Residents were encouraged to report uncovered manholes, open canals, ditches, and septic vaults to barangay officials to eliminate potential rat breeding sites./CJ, WDJ