CHSO logs 9 leptospirosis cases in five months
The City Health Services Office recorded nine cases of leptospirosis from January 1 to May 31, 2023 – an increase compared to three cases for the same period last year.
City Health Services Office (CHSO) Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head Dr. Donnabel Panes said most of them were isolated home cases thus no clustering of cases yet.
However, she cautioned the public since cases may continue to increase with the recent heavy rains dumped by Typhoon Betty leaving stagnant waters.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that affects humans and animals caused by urines from rats. The bacteria can pass to humans through an open wound exposed to contaminated water or soil.
“One of the patients works at the public market as a vendor with travel history so we need to establish where the infection may have transpired,” Panes said.
The public is advised to clean-up and ensure pest control as well as sanitation in their homes to help control the disease.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong is also planning to relaunch the rat-catching challenge at the city public market conducted in 2020 in a bid to reduce the population of rats and reduce further leptospirosis bacterial infection.
Said activity was initiated by Magalong to help pest control problems in the city where most residents buy their food.
Vendors who participated in the month-long challenge gunned for the P20,000 top prize and P10,000 second placer cash award. – JMPS
